Rahul Gandhi Raises Concerns Over Propaganda Films
- By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
- Mar 06, 2026
- 8
Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Friday remarked that not many people are watching the film The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, describing this as “good news” and alleging that films, television, and sections of the media are increasingly being used as instruments of propaganda.
Gandhi made the remarks while interacting with students at Marian College Kuttikanam in Kuttikanam, located in Idukki district of Kerala. His comments came in response to a student’s question regarding the use of cinema as a tool for political messaging.
“The good news is that Kerala Story seems hollow, and people are not going to see it. This also indicates that many people do not truly understand Kerala—its traditions, culture, and social fabric,” Gandhi said.
He further argued that films, television, and parts of the media ecosystem are increasingly being used to disseminate hatred and deepen social divisions. According to him, such platforms are sometimes employed to malign individuals or communities and create polarization that benefits certain groups while harming others.
Concerns Over Ideological Influence in Education
Gandhi also expressed concern over what he described as the growing ideological influence in India’s higher education institutions. Referring to the role of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), he alleged that many university vice-chancellors have been appointed due to their ideological affiliations rather than purely academic merit.
“Education should not be confined to a single ideology,” he said, emphasizing that universities must remain spaces for diverse ideas and independent thinking.
AI, Data, and India’s Global Position
Touching on technology and geopolitics, Gandhi warned that India risks falling behind global leaders in artificial intelligence unless it gains greater control over its data infrastructure. He noted that the United States benefits from vast global data access, while China has built strength in AI by controlling and leveraging its own data resources.
“If India wants to emerge as a strong leader in AI, it must ensure greater control and strategic use of its data,” he said.
Geopolitics and the Middle East
Speaking about global conflicts, Gandhi said tensions in West Asia appear on the surface to involve Israel and the United States against Iran, but the broader geopolitical dynamics involve major powers such as the United States, China, and Russia.
He noted that the Middle East remains a critical hub of global energy production, and instability in the region inevitably affects the global economy and geopolitical balance.
Personal Interests and Kerala Experience
During the interaction, Gandhi also shared glimpses of his personal life, saying he enjoys playing Chess and practicing Martial Arts. He added that he maintains his fitness through swimming, running, and regular exercise.
Reflecting on his tenure as the Member of Parliament from Wayanad, Gandhi said that understanding Kerala takes time. Although he represented the constituency for five years, he said he is still learning about the state’s complex society and culture.
He also referred to the devastating landslide in Wayanad, calling it a major tragedy, but praised the resilience and solidarity shown by local communities during the crisis.