RTI Exposes Kerala Government's Rs 11.21 Lakh Expenditure on Mohanlal's Interview with CM
Fresh details have emerged from Thiruvananthapuram indicating that government funds were utilized for an interview conducted by renowned actor Mohanlal with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, triggering significant political reactions across the state.
RTI Query Uncovers Financial Details
According to information obtained by Thiruvalla native Rijo Vallamkulam through the Right to Information (RTI) Act from the information and public relations department, a total of Rs 11.21 lakh was spent on the production of the interview, titled 'Kandum Mindiyum Iruvar'. The RTI response explicitly states that the entire expenditure was met from government funds, though it also clarifies that no government systems were used during the actual production process.
Production Details and Political Backlash
The interview was filmed over two days at Cliff House, the official residence of the chief minister, and focused extensively on both his political journey and personal life. Its teaser earlier sparked widespread discussion and anticipation among the public. This development has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, which has termed the programme a 'PR stunt' and questioned the use of public money for such purposes.
Government and CPM Response
Responding to the mounting criticism, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM maintained that the interview was primarily a result of the personal rapport between Mohanlal and the chief minister. The project was executed by a team led by filmmaker T K Rajeev Kumar, ensuring professional production standards. Sources indicate that the idea for the interview was first discussed during a meeting between Mohanlal and the chief minister in Thiruvananthapuram, with the actor readily agreeing to the proposal.
Historical Context and Similar Precedents
Notably, this is not the first time Mohanlal has conducted such an interview with a Kerala chief minister. The actor previously interviewed former chief minister Oommen Chandy ahead of the 2011 assembly elections, though the funding details of that project remain unclear. The current revelation has intensified debates about the appropriate use of government resources and the blurring lines between personal relationships and official engagements.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in Kerala's political landscape, with opposition parties demanding greater transparency and accountability in government expenditures. As the story develops, further reactions from both political circles and the public are expected to shape the narrative around this high-profile interview.
