Ahead of VD Satheesan’s swearing-in as Kerala Chief Minister, Manorama journalist Shani Prabhakar directly interviewed the CM’s daughter, Unnimaya. When asked about her father’s return as CM and how she wants him to be remembered, her response drew attention for sounding rather naive and unprepared.

What followed was even more telling. Manorama, which published the interview on its page, quietly muted the audio during the more embarrassing portions of her reply. The media house’s protective instinct towards the incoming CM was visible — they ensured no awkward soundbite could be used to troll Satheesan or spark controversy.

This stands in stark contrast to how the same newspaper would have handled a similar situation during the Pinarayi Vijayan era. Critics point out that had it been the former CM’s daughter, every word would have been amplified and weaponized against him. Manorama, known for its opposition to the LDF government, appears to have adopted a strikingly different standard now that Satheesan — a leader from the UDF-aligned Congress — occupies the top post.

The incident raises legitimate questions about media neutrality in Kerala. When a major newspaper selectively edits out uncomfortable answers from a political leader’s family member while refusing to extend the same courtesy to rivals, it betrays an editorial bias that undermines public trust in journalism. Netizens have been quick to notice the double standards, with many sharing the original audio and calling out the muted portions.