In the wake of sensational allegations linking journalist and YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra to espionage, the Kerala government has stepped forward to clear the air. The controversy erupted after an RTI response allegedly suggested that Malhotra had been invited by the Kerala government for a tourism initiative. However, Kerala Tourism Minister Mohammed Riyas issued a firm clarification, emphasizing that the Journalist’s Visit Backed 1 Key Tourism Mission, and the state had no role in her selection.
The statement comes amid growing political tension and accusations from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, who claim that the Kerala government extended a red carpet to an individual now under investigation for spying for Pakistan.
The Clarification: No State Role in Selection
Addressing the media, Kerala’s Tourism Minister Mohammed Riyas categorically stated that Journalist’s Visit Backed 1 Key Tourism Mission, but the selection was handled by an external agency well before any allegations of espionage surfaced. “Jyoti Malhotra was invited by the designated agency before any case against her emerged. The Kerala government had no role in selecting influencers,” Riyas explained.
The minister’s remarks underline that the influencer was chosen as part of a broader campaign aimed at promoting tourism in Kerala, and her visit was purely part of that effort. According to the state, the Journalist’s Visit Backed 1 Key Tourism Mission, which involved collaborations with multiple content creators and social media influencers.
Political Allegations Spark Controversy
The issue gained momentum after BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla cited an RTI response claiming that the Kerala government had extended an official invitation to Malhotra. “So Bharat Mata is blocked and Pak spies are given red carpet by the Left,” Poonawalla alleged in a controversial statement, suggesting that the state government compromised national security.
However, the Communist Party of India (CPI) lashed out at the BJP, defending the state government. In a strongly worded statement, CPI MP P. Sandosh Kumar said that BJP’s attempts to politicize the issue were nothing but a smokescreen to hide its own failures. He emphasized that Journalist’s Visit Backed 1 Key Tourism Mission, and any link to espionage was a stretch of imagination.
CPI Slams BJP’s “Desperate Deflection”
Kumar asserted that it is outrageous to suggest that a state government would be responsible for a YouTuber’s travel to Pakistan, a process that involves the Union government’s approval for passports, visas, and international monitoring.
“Did the Kerala government approve her visits to Pakistan? Did it place her in contact with ISI handlers in Delhi? This is a desperate and politically motivated deflection,” he said.
Kumar further stated that the Journalist’s Visit Backed 1 Key Tourism Mission, and such visits are common across Indian states for promotion campaigns. He accused the BJP of turning the spotlight away from its own intelligence failures and repeated lapses on national security.
Who is Jyoti Malhotra?
Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber from Hisar who ran the popular travel channel ‘Travel with JO’, was arrested by the Hisar Police on May 16. The charges against her include violation of the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Her arrest sparked a nationwide debate after police revealed her alleged links to Pakistani intelligence operatives.
Initially remanded to five days of police custody, her remand was extended as police sought to interrogate her further. By May 26, she was sent to 14 days of judicial custody. As per updates, she continues to remain in custody while the investigation is ongoing.
Even though Journalist’s Visit Backed 1 Key Tourism Mission, police claimed Malhotra had been in contact with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a staffer at the Pakistani High Commission in India. Danish was expelled by India on May 13 for alleged espionage.
No Military Secrets Accessed
Interestingly, police have so far found no evidence that Malhotra accessed or passed on any military or classified information. However, officials claim that she was being “developed as an asset” by Pakistani operatives. This development casts a shadow of suspicion, but it does not undermine the state’s original intent behind her visit.
Kerala officials continue to maintain that Journalist’s Visit Backed 1 Key Tourism Mission. The visit took place prior to the emergence of any suspicion, and hence, cannot be retroactively tied to criminal intent or espionage.
RTI Sparks Debate, But Facts Remain
The RTI response that triggered the political storm reportedly named Jyoti Malhotra among the influencers invited for a government-backed tourism program. However, it has since been clarified that the selection of influencers was handled by a third-party agency. According to Kerala’s Tourism Department, Journalist’s Visit Backed 1 Key Tourism Mission just like many others, without any political or intelligence motive.
The program aimed at promoting Kerala’s serene backwaters, lush landscapes, and cultural richness. It included dozens of influencers across various platforms. The fact that Malhotra is now under scrutiny does not imply fault in the original selection, say officials.
State vs Centre: Who is Accountable?
The issue also raises questions about jurisdiction. Passport issuance, visa clearances, and foreign travel oversight fall under the central government. The CPI pointed out that the BJP, which governs the Centre, must answer how Malhotra traveled abroad or engaged with a Pakistani intelligence operative in the national capital.
Journalist’s Visit Backed 1 Key Tourism Mission, which was planned and executed before any security red flags were raised. Blaming the state government appears to be more about political posturing than pursuing genuine accountability.
Conclusion: Don’t Politicize Tourism and National Security
The arrest of Jyoti Malhotra on charges of espionage is a matter of national security, no doubt. But dragging state-led tourism programs into the controversy dilutes the seriousness of the investigation and adds political noise. Kerala’s position is clear: Journalist’s Visit Backed 1 Key Tourism Mission, and any developments thereafter are the responsibility of national security agencies.
Tourism campaigns rely on influencers for digital reach. The selection process, usually outsourced to professional agencies, cannot be expected to detect future criminal conduct. It is imperative for central intelligence bodies to tighten their mechanisms instead of allowing state governments to become scapegoats.
As the case against Malhotra unfolds, India must stay focused on strengthening security, while not losing sight of the benefits of cultural outreach. The Journalist’s Visit Backed 1 Key Tourism Mission – a fact that should be understood in its rightful context, and not twisted into a weapon for political vendetta.