‘Brittas move surprising’

CPM Kerala secretary Pinarayi Vijayan has indicated that he was surprised by the decision of John Brittas,editor of party-backed Malayalam Communications Ltd (MCL),to join Asianet,controlled by Star Group. Brittas was Vijayan’s choice in MCL,which the CPM had projected as force to resist the “cultural invasion of imperialist Rupert Murdoch”.

In an article in CPM mouthpiece Deshabhimani Friday,Vijayan said Brittas wanted to work with a national media network to get better exposure. “As part of that plan,he quit. Now,we realise he has joined a channel owned by Murdoch.”

“The CPM has never covered up its strong opposition to the global media monopolist Murdoch. Now,the Left realises the need for more vigorously fighting against the corporate media and their attempt to conquer the mind of common man.”

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Reacting to his rival,CM V S Achuthanandan’s criticism,Vijayan said: “We cannot forget Brittas’s services on the ground that he joined Murdoch’s firm”.

VS had said those who promoted Brittas should explain his move.