The political landscape in Kerala witnessed a fresh wave of controversy as the Bharatiya Janata Party launched a scathing attack on the Congress party shortly after it announced VD Satheesan as the next chief minister of the state. The BJP alleged that the decision was heavily influenced by the Indian Union Muslim League and accused the Congress of capitulating to its alliance partner.
BJP's Sharp Reaction
Soon after the Congress announcement, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took to social media to criticize the leadership and the new Kerala government. In a post on X, he wrote, "Janta Mandate & MLA choice gone for a toss." He further alleged, "New Keralam CM will be Remote Controlled by IUML. High command is Jamat. Jamat and IUML weighed upon Congress and got their pick as CM."
Kerala Unit Intensifies Criticism
The BJP's Kerala unit also ramped up its criticism, targeting both the Congress and the IUML leadership. In a post attributed to senior leader MT Ramesh, the party claimed, "It has once again been proven that the Congress High Command's henchman is the Muslim League and Ponnani. In deciding the Chief Minister, the Congress High Command knelt before the League leadership."
The BJP Kerala unit further asserted that the Congress leadership had no alternative but to bow to the IUML due to its political dependence in the state. "11 days after the Keralam election results were declared on May 4, Congress has finally announced VD Satheesan as Keralam's next CM," the BJP Kerala handle posted. It added, "Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi know INC cannot survive in Keralam or protect Wayanad without the Indian Union Muslim League. Satheesan becoming CM is a clear sign that Congress and Gandhis have ultimately bowed down to the IUML."
Social Media Campaign
The BJP also circulated several memes through its official social media pages. In one such image, IUML state president Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal was depicted seated at the center while Rahul Gandhi and Kharge were shown bowing before him, and Satheesan was portrayed fanning him. These posts were widely circulated with the hashtag 'CongressPoliticsOfAppeasement'.
The development underscores the intense political rivalry in Kerala, with the BJP seeking to exploit perceived fissures within the Congress-led alliance. The Congress, on its part, has defended the choice of Satheesan, citing his experience and leadership qualities. However, the BJP's allegations have set the stage for a heated political battle in the state.
