TN govt sources say Manikandan Boopathi as Kalvi TV CEO on hold, he says no info yet

The Tamil Nadu government has put on hold the appointment of Manikanda Boopathi as the CEO of Kalvi TV, the state's educational channel, after intervention from the Chief Minister’s office, confirmed sources to TNM. This comes after a massive backlash by DMK cadres and leaders who staunchly opposed Boopathi’s appointment over his alleged ties to the right-wing.

Days ago, the Tamil Nadu State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) announced that Boopathi had been appointed to the post on a temporary basis for two years. Sources told TNM that the channel had called for a “dynamic CEO with at least 5-8 years of experience in educational program production and management in the government or private sector.” After the first round of interviews, 10 people including five journalists with years of experience had been short-listed to be the CEO of Kalvi TV, including some who have experience with the children's literature and covering education department. Eventually, 53-year-old Manikanda Boopathi, who had worked in Dinamalar, Puthiya Thalaimurai digital operations, Thanthi TV and co-founded Chanakyaa TV along with television journalist Rangaraj Pandey, had been selected.

Several people had questioned the move, and alleged that Boopathi was appointed despite not having the required qualifications. Many also alleged that Boopathi had been appointed by SCERT despite his ties to the right-wing. On Twitter, the hashtag ‘Resign_AnbilMahesh’ trended on August 16, with several social media users demanding that the Tamil Nadu Education Minister resign over the controversial appointment. Though there is no official statement from the Education Department, sources have confirmed to TNM that a decision has been taken at the highest level to put the appointment on hold for now.

Speaking to TNM, Manikandan Boopathi said he had not received any information regarding his appointment being put on hold.  “There is no controversy. I am a professional and wherever an assignment comes I'll do it.” Speaking of his association with Chanakyaa TV, he told TNM, “I was associated with Chanakyaa TV for providing technical support and I was a co-founder. But I don’t create content. I am a technical person. I have worked with several popular media outlets and now I am running my own business operations. “

He denied several of the allegations levelled against him on social media including that he has ties to the RSS and other right-wing groups. “There are several allegations levelled against me. I have not been involved in any financial irregularities in Puthiya Thalaimurai as alleged by some people on social media. I have no connections with the RSS or any of the right wing groups. No one recommended my name for this post,” he said.

Boopathi said he had been selected for the job based on his proposal and his qualifications. “The interview for the selection of Kalvi TV was conducted in a professional and transparent manner. I have to thank the Tamil Nadu government for conducting it in a professional manner. I was selected for the job based on my proposal and was on merits. I had prepared a detailed project for the revival of Kalvi TV and how to make it into a profitable entity,” Boopathi told TNM.

Kalvi TV was launched in 2019 by former Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami to impart lessons from the school curriculum to students besides helping them prepare for competitive exams and providing life coaching and motivation.