Journalist R. Rajagopal's Passport Renewed After Kerala CM's Intervention
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced on Saturday that journalist R. Rajagopal, former editor of The Telegraph, has received his renewed passport. The development follows a public outcry over Rajagopal's inability to obtain a passport due to an adverse verification report from the Kolkata police.
Rajagopal's name had also been removed from the West Bengal electoral roll during the special intensive revision (SIR). In response to the situation, Chief Minister Satheesan had written to West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, seeking intervention.
On Saturday, Satheesan stated that Rajagopal had informed his office of the passport renewal. In a letter to the Kerala Chief Minister, Rajagopal expressed gratitude, saying the issue had caused him considerable anxiety and uncertainty. He added that the intervention by Satheesan's office had reinforced his faith that responsive public institutions can make a profound difference in people's lives.
The passport renewal marks a resolution to a matter that had drawn significant public and political attention, highlighting the role of inter-state cooperation in addressing individual grievances.
