Thiruvananthapuram, July 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s weekly post-Cabinet media briefings have emerged as a notable feature of the state’s political landscape, with his willingness to answer reporters’ questions at length drawing attention for its contrast with the previous administration’s approach.
Reviving a practice that had largely fallen out of use, Satheesan has reinstated regular Cabinet briefings and adopted an interactive format in which journalists are encouraged to question the government after Cabinet decisions are announced.
After presenting the Cabinet’s key decisions in a concise opening statement, the Chief Minister routinely opens the floor for questions, often remaining at the podium until every query has been addressed.
During Wednesday’s briefing, as reporters competed to ask questions, Satheesan remarked with a smile, “Which other Chief Minister has sat before you like this and taken every question?”
Appealing for order amid the noisy exchanges, he assured journalists that everyone would get an opportunity. “Please don’t make such a noise. I am sitting before you, and I will answer all your questions,” he said.
The Chief Minister also insisted on allowing responses to be heard without interruption, reminding reporters to remain patient once a question had been asked.
“You have asked me a question. Now be patient and hear what I have to say. Please don’t create a mess and a noise,” he told journalists as the interaction continued.
The format marks a departure from the media engagement style of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who discontinued the weekly post-Cabinet briefings after assuming office in 2016 and generally interacted with the media on selected occasions, with limited opportunities for questioning.
Satheesan’s extended interactions have made the weekly briefings longer and more animated, offering journalists greater access to the Chief Minister and an opportunity to seek clarifications on government decisions and current issues.
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