Kerala journalists' union has criticized SNDP leader Vellappally Natesan for his remarks against a reporter, calling the journalist an extremist and Muslim spokesperson. Natesan also defended his earlier actions of pushing aside a reporter's microphone, citing disrespectful questioning. The Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) stated that labeling journalists and silencing questions is unacceptable in a democracy and urged leaders to prevent future incidents, warning of harm to press freedom.