CPI(M) imitating Sangh, threatening Kerala's secular fabric: V.D. Satheesan
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Kochi: Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Monday launched a blistering attack on the ruling CPI(M) and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accusing them of deliberately fostering communal polarization that endangers Kerala's secular foundations. He warned that such politics mirrors the Sangh Parivar's divisive tactics and will destroy the state's core values.
Satheesan specifically condemned recent remarks by CPI(M) leaders like Minister Saji Cherian, who questioned the religion and caste of electoral winners.
"This is not just irresponsible, it is cruel and perilous," Satheesan said. The CPI(M) is now following the Sangh Parivar's model of manufacturing communal divisions for political gain, with the Chief Minister's full knowledge and cover, Satheesan alleged.
He rejected criticism of his meetings with community leaders, asserting no contradiction between opposing communalism and engaging social figures. " Votes are not owned by anyone, people decide. Political leaders meet all sections of society. I have never insulted any community or leader."
Satheesan cited the UDF's decisive 11,000+ vote victory in the Nilambur bypoll as proof that communal fear-mongering fails in Kerala. He dismissed CM Vijayan's repeated Jamaat-e-Islami references as hypocritical, noting CPI(M)'s own past engagements.
Declaring his resolve, Satheesan said, "Even if I fall fighting communalism, it will be a heroic fall." He predicted the CPI(M)'s divisive flirtation signals "the beginning of its end" in Kerala, emphasizing the state will outlast transient politicians.
(Inputs from IANS)