“Our discourse must not be aimed at targeting anyone personally,” Pinarayi Vijayan tells CPM workers

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed concerns about the misuse of social media for targeting political opponents, urging for a more respectful online discourse. This statement follows the recent arrest of a local Congress functionary accused of online harassment directed at the female family members of CPM (Communist Party of India-Marxist) leaders.

Vijayan, a senior leader of the CPM, criticized the Congress party, alleging that significant amounts of money were being spent, and special agencies were being deployed to manipulate public opinion through both social and mainstream media.

During the inauguration of a party building in Trikaripur, Vijayan urged CPM workers not to engage in personal attacks online and instead focus on promoting the state government’s development schemes and programs.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining civility and respect in online discussions, stressing that discourse should not involve insults or personal targeting.

The arrest that triggered this discussion involved a 26-year-old Congress youth leader, Abin Kodankara, who allegedly shared inappropriate content and derogatory comments about family members of Left leaders on a Facebook page named ‘Kottayam Kunjachan.’ This incident shed light on the issue of online harassment, particularly directed at female family members of Left leaders.

Vijayan highlighted the need to address this misuse of social media, emphasizing that such actions are not in line with respectful and constructive political discourse. Multiple complaints had been lodged against the Facebook page ‘Kottayam Kunjachan,’ leading to Kodankara’s arrest.

The Chief Minister’s call for a more civil online environment comes in response to the increasing prevalence of cyberbullying and personal attacks in the digital space, particularly within the context of political rivalries in Kerala.