Why is BJP Dragging Kerala Government into the Jyoti Malhotra Espionage Case?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Discover the CPI's strong condemnation of the BJP's attempts to involve the Kerala government in the Jyoti Malhotra espionage case, raising questions about national security accountability. This article dives into the political maneuvers and implications surrounding the controversy. Join the conversation on national security and political responsibility.
Key Takeaways
- CPI condemns BJP's involvement of Kerala government.
- National security responsibilities lie with the Union Government.
- RTI documents confirm state tourism department's role.
- Political accountability is crucial for public trust.
- BJP's past associations with espionage raise concerns.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 7 (NationPress) The Communist Party of India (CPI) has vehemently criticized the BJP for attempting to involve the Kerala government in the Jyoti Malhotra espionage case as a means to obscure its own serious shortcomings regarding national security.
In a statement released on Monday, CPI Rajya Sabha member P. Sandosh Kumar expressed outrage at the insinuation that a state government could be held accountable for a YouTuber's travel to Pakistan, given that the issuance of passports, visa approvals, and intelligence oversight all fall under the jurisdiction of the Union Government.
"Did the Kerala government sanction her trips to Pakistan? Did it enable her interactions with ISI agents in Delhi? This is nothing more than a desperate political maneuver to deflect blame," he noted.
Sandosh Kumar highlighted the BJP's extensive record of scandals involving its own members tied to espionage and terrorism, including Dhruv Saxena from its IT Cell in Bhopal, Bajrang Dal's Balram Singh, LeT terrorist Talib Shah who was appointed as BJP Minority Morcha IT head, and former BJP leader Tariq Mir who was arrested for supplying arms to militants.
Even DSP Davinder Singh, who was awarded the President's Medal, was found escorting Hizbul terrorists and later linked to Pakistani handlers, he added.
"This is the BJP's true record on national security," stated the CPI MP.
The Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed innocent tourists' lives, has not led to any arrests even weeks later. Instead of taking responsibility, the BJP is now blaming Kerala over a routine tourism event that Malhotra attended, despite no evidence linking that to her recruitment by the ISI, MP Sandosh Kumar asserted.
The central agencies' failure to monitor multiple trips to Pakistan and foreign funding, all within their direct purview, was also noted by him.
The CPI emphasizes that national security is a critical issue.
"The BJP cannot absolve itself of repeated intelligence failures and the increasing number of individuals with connections to espionage and terrorism within its ranks," the CPI leader remarked.
"The citizens of India deserve accountability, not scapegoating and political vendetta," he added.
Documents acquired through the Right to Information (RTI) Act confirmed that her travel arrangements, accommodations, meals, and even filming logistics were managed by a private agency contracted by the Kerala Tourism Department.
She was one of 41 influencers chosen to promote Kerala as a global tourism destination, with her entire trip funded by the state's Tourism Department as part of an official influencer outreach initiative.
Veteran BJP leader Prakash Javadekar criticized the Pinarayi Vijayan government for hosting such a controversial figure.
“The Kerala government must provide a thorough explanation regarding how such a serious situation occurred, and they cannot evade accountability,” Javadekar stated.
In light of the controversy, Kerala’s Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas defended the decision to host Malhotra, asserting that the state government does not support espionage and that the media should understand the workings of government processes.
Point of View
This controversy highlights the ongoing struggle for accountability in political discourse. The CPI's response underscores the need for clarity and transparency in national security matters, while the BJP's tactics raise questions about deflection and responsibility. It is crucial that the public remains informed and engaged in these discussions.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jyoti Malhotra espionage case about?
The Jyoti Malhotra espionage case involves allegations of espionage linked to the YouTuber's travel to Pakistan, which the CPI claims the BJP is using to distract from its own national security failures.
What are the CPI’s main arguments against the BJP’s claims?
The CPI argues that national security responsibilities lie with the Union Government, not state governments, and claims the BJP is politically motivated in its accusations against Kerala.
How has the Kerala government responded to the allegations?
Kerala's Tourism Minister defended the decision to host Malhotra, emphasizing that the government does not facilitate espionage.
What does the RTI Act reveal about Malhotra's trip?
Documents obtained through the RTI Act show that Malhotra's travel arrangements were managed by a private agency contracted by the Kerala Tourism Department.
What is the significance of the Pahalgam terror attack in this context?
The Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of innocent tourists, highlights ongoing issues in national security and the BJP's accountability.
