Kochi, 22 March (H.S.):

Kerala Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan on Sunday launched a sharp attack on CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan, accusing him of spreading “blatant falsehoods” and attempting to mislead the public amid the intensifying political climate ahead of the Assembly elections.

Responding to Govindan’s allegation that members of the Kerala Students’ Union (KSU) had physically assaulted Health Minister Veena George, Satheesan dismissed the claim as “completely baseless” and said it was one of the biggest lies made in recent political discourse. His remarks came shortly after Govindan ridiculed Satheesan by suggesting he deserved a “Nobel Prize for lying” over his allegations of a covert understanding between the CPI(M) and the BJP in Palakkad.

Reiterating his charge, Satheesan alleged that a tacit deal exists between the CPI(M) and the BJP in Palakkad, where he claimed the ruling party had deliberately fielded a weak candidate to split votes and indirectly aid the BJP. He pointed out that the Congress had previously won the constituency by a margin of 18,000 votes, with the BJP finishing second and the CPI(M) trailing behind. “The candidate selection itself indicates a conscious strategy to benefit the BJP,” he said.

The Opposition Leader further cited instances involving the Twenty20 party’s participation in select constituencies, questioning where and why BJP candidates were being fielded or withdrawn. According to him, such patterns reflect a broader seat-sharing understanding between the CPI(M) and the BJP in certain regions.

Taking aim at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Satheesan criticised his repeated claim that the Congress functions as the BJP’s “B-team.” He asserted that no other leader in the country makes such an allegation and accused the Chief Minister of selectively targeting political opponents while remaining silent on issues involving the Centre.

Highlighting infrastructure concerns, Satheesan alleged double standards in the government’s approach, pointing to past action against former minister Ibrahim Kunju over a bridge issue while failing to strongly respond to multiple instances of national highway collapses. He also criticised the state leadership for maintaining a conciliatory stance towards the Union government.

Satheesan also hit back at BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, dismissing his criticism of the Congress as uninformed and asserting that Congress workers remain deeply connected to the people.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman