Alappuzha (Kerala), April 4 – With just days remaining before the Kerala Assembly elections, the Congress has intensified its attack on the CPI-M-backed Kairali News TV channel, accusing it of disseminating a doctored and defamatory image of party General Secretary and MP K.C. Venugopal in an attempt to mislead voters.
Congress Legal Cell chairman Dr. Abhishek Singhvi has filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission, alleging that the image was digitally manipulated to falsely suggest that Venugopal was accepting money.
The complaint further states that a green circle was deliberately inserted into the image to reinforce the misleading narrative and influence public perception.
Describing the episode as a "planned attempt" to damage Venugopal's reputation ahead of the polls, the Congress has argued that the circulation of such content violates the Model Code of Conduct and undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
Singhvi has called for the Commission's urgent intervention, demanding an immediate investigation into the incident and strict action against those responsible.
The complaint also demands that the doctored image be removed from all social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and X, where it is alleged to have been widely shared in a coordinated manner.
Meanwhile, Congress state Vice President A.A. Shukoor has approached the Alappuzha North police, seeking criminal action against the channel and its officials.
The complaint invokes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to forgery, spreading enmity, and criminal conspiracy, along with Section 66 of the Information Technology Act.
Shukkur said the incident reflects a broader pattern of attempts to undermine the democratic process through misinformation and targeted character assassination of opposition leaders.
He asserted that the Congress will pursue the matter legally and politically, signaling a more intense contest as campaigning enters its final phase.
Kerala goes to the polls on April 9 to elect 140 new legislators.