Microphone Malfunction Interrupts CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s Speech in Kollam

KOLLAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s speech was once again interrupted by a microphone malfunction, marking another incident in a series of similar technical glitches. The latest occurrence took place on Monday evening during the inauguration ceremony of ‘VS Bhavan,’ the newly constructed building for the CPI(M)’s Punalur Area Committee office in Kollam.

As Chief Minister Vijayan began his inaugural address, it became immediately apparent that the microphone was not functioning correctly. He noted the difficulty in speaking and informed the audience that his voice was not fully audible. Elaborating on the issue, the Chief Minister humorously pointed out that when he attempted to say “microphone person,” only the latter part, “person,” was discernible to the audience, while “microphone” remained unheard.

An operator promptly arrived on stage to inspect the faulty equipment. Following the inspection, the malfunctioning microphone was replaced with a new one, allowing the Chief Minister to resume his speech without further technical hindrance.

This incident is not an isolated one. The Chief Minister has experienced a recurring “rift” with microphones, a notable instance being at the Oommen Chandy memorial event organized by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) in Thiruvananthapuram. That particular incident escalated into a significant controversy after the Cantonment Police registered a case, citing sections related to knowingly committing acts that endanger public or public safety. The police had even seized the microphone and associated equipment.

However, in response to the widespread controversy, Chief Minister Vijayan personally intervened, instructing the police that no action beyond a security check should be pursued. Subsequently, the seized amplifier and microphone set were returned to their owner.

Since then, microphones have frequently malfunctioned during the Chief Minister’s press conferences and various public engagements. Last April, during a press conference in Adoor, Pathanamthitta, a connection fault compelled him to speak without a microphone after attempts by technical staff to resolve the soundbox issue proved futile. Additionally, a microphone breaking and falling during Thomas Chazhikadan’s election campaign convention for the Lok Sabha elections also garnered considerable public discussion.