Press freedom at risk as journalists face pressure over Kerala political reporting

Chandrashekhar accused a local journalist of being forced to apologise after reporting on statements made in Kanhapuram, describing the incident as a direct attack on free speech. He reminded that the Indian Constitution guarantees expression and press freedom.

He warned that intimidation of reporters undermines democratic discourse and called on political parties to respect the role of the media. "If a journalist is threatened for covering a story, it is a grave concern for the entire democratic system," he said.

The BJP leader pledged support to the affected journalist and her media house, emphasizing that reporting facts should never be penalised because a political group or community feels uncomfortable.