Opposition Leader Criticizes Kerala Chief Minister’s Social Media Team Salary Amidst Financial Crisis

During a press conference in Ernakulam, Opposition leader VD Satheesan raised concerns over the salary expenses of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s social media team, citing extravagant spending during a period of financial crisis in the state.

Satheesan revealed the salary details of the social media team, expressing bewilderment over the substantial monthly payment. The team’s salaries include 75,000 for the team leader, 70,000 for the content manager, 65,000 for the senior web administrator, 65,000 for the social media coordinator, 65,000 for the content strategist, and 22,290 for the computer assistant. A total of 12 team members receive these salaries, resulting in an annual expenditure of Rs 80 lakhs.

Satheesan questioned the necessity of such expenditure, especially when the Chief Minister typically makes 15-20 posts on platforms like Facebook and Instagram each month. He raised concerns about whether this social media team was being utilized for political attacks on opponents and whether this should be funded by the government, particularly at a time when the state is grappling with significant financial challenges.

The Opposition leader emphasized that the state is currently facing a severe financial crisis, making these expenses appear extravagant and misplaced.