Shock Appearance: Controversial YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Seen Promoting Vande Bharat with BJP leaders in Kerala Faces Flak
Thiruvananthapuram (The Uttam Hindu) : Kerala Tourism has come under heavy fire after it emerged that YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested on May 16 by Haryana Police on charges of spying for Pakistan, had been invited to the state earlier this year as part of a promotional campaign. The invite triggered a political storm, with BJP leaders demanding the resignation of Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, who is also the son-in-law of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
However, a twist emerged when a video surfaced showing the same YouTuber traveling on the second Vande Bharat Express in Kerala in 2024—this time, as a guest of the Indian Railways. In the video, Malhotra is seen interacting with then Union Minister V. Muraleedharan and former BJP state president K. Surendran, raising questions about the BJP’s criticism.
BJP’s Allegations
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Jai Hind, citing an RTI, slammed the Kerala government in a post on X, alleging that "a Pakistani spy was given red carpet treatment by the Left government." He demanded the immediate removal of Minister Riyas and a full investigation, calling it an insult to "Bharat Mata." Echoing this, BJP leader K. Surendran criticized the state for allegedly hosting someone linked to espionage, particularly during a Kerala Tourism-sponsored visit to Kannur.
Minister's Clarification
Following the backlash, Minister Riyas’ office clarified that Malhotra had no criminal charges against her at the time of her visit to Kerala with the media delegation in early 2024. Officials also emphasized that she had been invited based on her wide social media reach and that her travel was part of a central initiative, not exclusively a state arrangement.
BJP Leaders in the Same Video
The controversy took a dramatic turn when a video posted by Malhotra showed her journeying on the Vande Bharat Express from Kasaragod, in the company of Union and state BJP leaders. While Mr. Muraleedharan is clearly visible, Mr. Surendran's face appears partially in the footage. The video, which praised the Vande Bharat experience, garnered over 2.8 lakh likes.
No Charges at Time of Visit
Officials reiterated that Malhotra's presence in Kerala in January 2024 was part of a six-day tour organized to promote Kerala Tourism, and at that time, no FIR or complaint was pending against her. Sources confirmed she was also part of a national media delegation invited by the Centre.
Political Row Highlights Double Standards?
The state government has accused the BJP of double standards, pointing out that the same person being condemned now had previously interacted with BJP leaders in an official capacity, without objection. The matter continues to stir debate over vetting procedures and political hypocrisy on both sides.