Row over 'no-to-drugs' T-shirt with CM's photo

STRONG DISAPPROVAL | Opposition parties have objected to a social awareness project being used for political mileage

- HD Bureau

A red T-shirt bearing the image of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with a 'No To Drugs' message, has ignited a political row ahead of a major drug awareness event.

The T-shirt, which is set to be worn by around 1,500 schoolchildren participating in a grand Zumba performance on Wednesday, has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, with political and educational factions accusing the Left Democratic Front government of attempting to exploit the event for political gain.

The controversy centres around the design of the T-shirt, which includes not only the anti-drug message but also a portrait of the chief minister.

The timing of the event, along with the visual association of the campaign with a prominent political figure, has stirred opposition and sparked a wave of public debate.