“Media Weaponised”: Rahul Gandhi Slams ‘Kerala Story-2’ As Propaganda During Idukki Visit

IDUKKI, KERALA — Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, launched a scathing attack on the “weaponisation” of cinema and media in India during an interactive session with students at Marian College, Kuttikkanam, on Friday, March 6, 2026.

Addressing a packed hall of students during his two-day tour of Kerala, Gandhi weighed in on the controversy surrounding the newly released film, ‘Kerala Story-2 Goes Beyond’, describing it as a tool for alienation and social division.

1. On Cinema and “Empty Theatres”

When asked by a student about the rise of movies being used as political propaganda, Gandhi noted that the public response to the sequel has been underwhelming.

• The “Good News”: Gandhi remarked that reports of empty theatres across the state show that the majority of people understand Kerala’s true traditions and culture.
• The “Weaponisation” of Media: He alleged that movies, television, and digital media are being funded with “large amounts of money” to vilify specific communities. “India has become a place where certain ideas can be spread as much as you like, while others are attacked and silenced,” he said.

2. Ideological Pressure on Education

Shifting focus to the national education system, the Congress leader raised concerns about the autonomy of universities.

• RSS Influence: Gandhi alleged that Vice-Chancellors are being appointed based on their affiliation with the RSS rather than academic merit.
• The AI Factor: He warned that while Artificial Intelligence is a transformative tool, the education system must remain free from “divisive ideologies” to truly prepare students for a changing global economy.

3. Reflecting on the “Wayanad Spirit”

Gandhi shared personal anecdotes from his five years representing Wayanad, specifically mentioning the resilience of the people during the devastating landslides.

• A Lesson in Unity: “I was impressed by how people responded… It didn’t matter what community or financial background a person belonged to,” he told the students, citing the state’s social fabric as a model for the rest of the country.

4. Centenary of a Historic Meeting

Earlier on Friday, Gandhi visited Kollam to inaugurate the centenary celebrations of the 1925 meeting between Mahatma Gandhi and the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.

• Truth vs. Arrogance: He contrasted the humility of the two “towering personalities” with the “arrogance and show” of contemporary small-minded politics.
• Constitutional Values: He argued that the philosophy of Narayana Guru—centered on respect and the protection of the weak—is the literal essence of the Indian Constitution.

Rahul Gandhi’s Kerala Tour Highlights (March 6, 2026)