Mon Feb 23 09:58:07 UTC 2026: Headline: BJP Kerala President Distances Himself from “The Kerala Story 2” Amidst Controversy

The Story:
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the BJP Kerala president, publicly stated on February 23, 2026, that he has no intention of watching the upcoming Bollywood movie, “The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond.” This announcement comes amidst growing criticism surrounding the film’s trailer, which has been accused of negatively portraying the state of Kerala. Chandrasekhar emphasized his belief in freedom of speech and expression, stating that any illegal content should be addressed by the courts. He also referenced a similar stance he took during the controversy surrounding the Mohanlal film “Empuraan.”

During the press interaction, Chandrasekhar also addressed the Sabarimala gold scandal, reiterating the BJP’s lack of trust in the Special Investigation Team and alleging that the Kerala Chief Minister is attempting to cover up the involvement of CPI(M) leaders.

Key Points:

  • Rajeev Chandrasekhar, BJP Kerala president, will not watch “The Kerala Story 2.”
  • He supports freedom of speech and believes the courts should handle any illegal content.
  • He referenced his previous stance on the film “Empuraan.”
  • He evaded direct questions about the trailer’s content.
  • He criticized Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the Sabarimala gold scandal.
  • He mentioned that the Kollam Vigilance Court granted bail to Sabarimala chief priest Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, citing lack of evidence.

Critical Analysis:
The BJP leader’s distancing himself from “The Kerala Story 2” suggests a calculated strategy to avoid further entanglement in a potentially divisive issue. Given the controversies surrounding the first film and the sensitivity of the subject matter, his stance could be aimed at mitigating potential backlash against the BJP in Kerala. His simultaneous criticism of the state government regarding the Sabarimala gold scandal indicates an attempt to shift focus towards a different issue where the BJP perceives a stronger political advantage.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BJP in Kerala is attempting to navigate a sensitive political landscape surrounding controversial films.
  • Freedom of speech is being invoked as a defense, while simultaneously criticizing opposing political narratives.
  • The Sabarimala gold scandal remains a key point of contention between the BJP and the ruling CPI(M) in Kerala.
  • The mention of “Empuraan” suggests a pattern of cultural and political flashpoints in the state.
  • The leader’s lighthearted comment about enjoying “Dhurandhar” highlights the blurring lines between entertainment and political messaging.

Impact Analysis:

The BJP’s approach to “The Kerala Story 2” and the Sabarimala gold scandal could have several long-term implications:

  • Electoral Impact: The party’s handling of these issues could influence public opinion and voting behavior in future elections.
  • Social Polarization: The controversies surrounding these topics could further exacerbate existing social and political divisions within Kerala.
  • Freedom of Speech Debates: The invocation of freedom of speech in defense of controversial films could fuel ongoing debates about censorship and the role of the state in regulating artistic expression.
  • Political Alliances: The BJP’s criticism of both the CPI(M) and the Congress suggests a continued strategy of positioning itself as the primary opposition force in Kerala.

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