Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal Filed a Case Against Misinformation Campaign

Web desk

Published on Jul 21, 2025, 02:43 PM | 2 min read

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal had initiated a legal proceedings against a social media campaign that he claims is spreading “baseless and malicious” misinformation regarding his recent medical treatment at a government hospital.

A complaint has been filed by the Minister’s office with the State Police Chief against the Facebook page “Kalayantani Kazhchakal”, which published a post alleging financial misconduct. The post claimed that the Minister received Rs. 1,91,601 in government reimbursement for just "24 hours of admission" at the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College.

Calling the allegations “entirely false and part of a vile conspiracy,” Minister Balagopal clarified the timeline of his treatment. He was admitted to the hospital on May 12, 2024, after experiencing cardiac symptoms, and underwent angioplasty on May 14, during which stents were inserted. He was discharged on May 17, having spent a total of five days under medical care.

"The treatment I received was part of the standard protocol followed at government hospitals for patients falling under the APL (Above Poverty Line) category. The amount reimbursed reflects the usual charges for such procedures and nothing more," the Minister said in a statement.

Balagopal also expressed concern over the misleading narrative being amplified through UDF- and Sangh Parivar-affiliated social media accounts and YouTube channels. He emphasized that despite being entitled to seek treatment at expensive private hospitals, he chose the government facility — a decision he framed as a show of confidence in the public healthcare system.

“Shouldn’t the real conversation be about how effective and accessible cardiac treatment is in our government hospitals — and that even ministers are relying on them?” he questioned.

The Finance Minister said he had previously ignored similar campaigns that had been circulating for over a year, but was now compelled to act due to the widespread misunderstanding being caused among the public.

“Ordinary people are starting to believe these lies. That’s why I have decided to pursue legal action against the propagandists,” he stated.

The Minister’s office has urged authorities to take swift action to curb the dissemination of false information, which they say undermines both public trust and the integrity of Kerala’s healthcare institutions.