Police Use Water Cannons on CPI Protesters Over PM SHRI Scheme in Kerala Assembly
Police used water cannons to disperse CPI-affiliated AISF and AIYF activists protesting the PM SHRI scheme outside the Kerala Assembly during a budget session. Former minister K Rajan addressed the protest, which demanded withdrawal from the scheme agreed by the previous LDF government. Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan alleged the water used was contaminated, raising health concerns. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala stated the water came from the Kerala Water Authority and promised investigation and lab testing of the sample.
First-hand measurement across 2 sources
We measured how 2 outlets covered this story. Coverage leans left-leaning overall (Left 70%, Centre 25%, Right 5%). Overall sentiment is negative (30/100). Lens Score 45/100 — moderate-to-low public interest.
Outlets analysed (first-hand measurement by TBN's Bias Engine):
- thehindu— left-leaning framing, negative sentiment
- economictimes— left-leaning framing, negative sentiment
AI Analysis
The articles present perspectives from both the CPI-affiliated protesters and government officials. The CPI and opposition leaders criticize the government's handling of the PM SHRI scheme and police action, while the Home Minister defends the police and commits to investigating contamination claims. Coverage includes viewpoints from ruling and opposition parties, reflecting the political dispute over the scheme without favoring either side.
The tone across the articles is largely critical regarding the police's use of water cannons and the alleged use of contaminated water, highlighting concerns about protester treatment and health risks. However, official responses and assurances of investigation introduce a more neutral and procedural element, resulting in a mixed but serious sentiment overall.