Years ago, it was the then Kerala Chief Minister EK Nayanar, who cracked up audiences through his answers laced with humour, in a show called 'Ask the Chief Minister.'
The phone-in programme aired on Asianet, had the then CM address people's queries on a wide range of issues.
Now, it is CM Pinarayi Vijayan's turn to appear in a television show to debate and discuss people's issues.
It also comes at a time when the PM Narendra Modi hosts a monthly radio talk show called ‘Mann Ki Baat’, where he talks about various issues and the government’s initiatives.
According to reports, the CM will feature in a show titled 'Naam Munnottu' (loosely translated to 'We, Forward').
The 22-minute show that will be aired on multiple television channels, will have debates on the developmental issues of the state. One developmental issue will be taken up in each episode, with the government's achievements being highlighted.
The show will be anchored by journalist-turned-MLA Veena George and is produced by Information and Public Relations Department. It is being executed by the state-owned Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT).
In the show that will have panel experts and a chosen audience taking part, the CM will answer queries in an interactive session.
Speaking about the show to The Indian Express, Veena George said:
“The episodes on agriculture, women empowerment, women’s security and children’s rights have been already shot. While presenting the achievements of the government, the show will have space to seek opinions and suggestions from stakeholders. People can suggest changes in government programmes.”
The New Indian Express reports that Doordarshan will allot the slot previously allotted to former CM Oommen Chandy's show 'Sutharya Keralam'. The show that had Oommen Chandy discuss various complaints from the public, was launched as part of the then government's measures to make governance transparent.
According to Sutharya Keralam website, the show is "an innovative initiative of the Government of Kerala, aimed to bridge the gap between the Public and the Government and thereby ensuring transparency and efficiency in the functions of the Government."
Reports say that the pilot episode of the show was shot in Chithranjali studio in Thiruvananthapuram, with actor Rima Kallingal as the celebrity guest.
The show is expected to start telecasting later this month.
'Naam Munnottu' comes at a time when the CM is drawing criticisms for coming across as being hostile to the media.