Date:14/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/14/stories/2007081454480500.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

BJP protests against attack on media

Special Correspondent

Urges Chief Minister to take steps to protect the media

Condemns attack on Press Club
Raman Pillai dares Krishnadas to a debate

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Bharatiya Janata Party State president P.K. Krishnadas, on Monday, protested against the attack on the reporter and the crew of the Manorama News television channel at Kannur and implication of Vijayan, reporter of the Indiavision channel, in a police case.

Mr. Vijayan was accused of affixing bills on the walls of the Azhikodan Memorial at Kannur. The party urged Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan to take steps to protect the media.

The BJP State president said the attack on the Kottayam Press Club during a rally organised by the Inter-Church Council too could not be seen lightly.

Charge reiterated

Staff Reporter writes from Thrissur: Kerala Janapaksham leader K. Raman Pillai said here on Monday that he was ready to furnish evidence to prove that a team led by BJP State president P. K. Krishnadas had conspired to defeat the party candidate C. K. Padmanabhan in the Thiruvananthapuram byelection.

Mr. Krishnadas had reportedly denied the allegation.

Addressing a press meet here on Monday, Mr. Raman Pillai challenged Mr. Krishnadas to participate in a debate on the issue.

“I am ready to take him on at any forum.

“Let Thekkinkad Maidan be the venue for a debate,” Mr. Raman Pillai said.