The Congress party in Kerala has strongly dismissed the recent leaking of a vigilance report that reportedly recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry against Opposition Leader V D Satheesan in the Punarajini housing scheme case. Senior party leaders have labeled the move a politically motivated election gimmick intended to divert public attention.
Satheesan's Rebuttal and Political Timing
Reacting to the development, Satheesan stated that the news suggesting the vigilance department recommended a CBI probe seemed incorrect. "Such a recommendation cannot be made," he asserted. He highlighted that the issue, which is over a year old, has resurfaced solely because of the impending elections. Satheesan explained the chronology, noting that the home department initially dismissed the complaint based on a vigilance report that found no basis for the case. A subsequent complaint led to a fresh investigation.
"The current discussion is revolving around a part of the report from that investigation. If there are any unknown findings, let the CBI handle it. You could say I was frightened after seeing all this," Satheesan remarked, underscoring the political nature of the leak.
Congress Leaders Unite in Condemnation
Congress leaders were unanimous in their criticism, alleging that the report, which had been lying idle in the Chief Minister's Office for the past year, was deliberately leaked to the media. They argue this is a tactic to shift focus from the controversies currently faced by the ruling CPI(M).
The leadership used sharp metaphors to mock the move. KPCC president Sunny Joseph referred to it as a "water snake," while AICC general secretary K C Venugopal called it "trickery." Senior leader K Muraleedharan expressed confidence, stating that the United Democratic Front (UDF) would prevail despite such political antics, which he deemed inconsequential.
Former opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala pointed out that the case has been around for five years and questioned the government's timing. "Where was the government then? These were just some antics in view of the elections and they would not have any impact," Chennithala said. He added that the people of Kerala are aware of such tactics and predicted more such issues in the coming days, calling it politically motivated action.
Leak Coincides with Congress Strategy Meet
The leak strategically coincided with a crucial two-day Congress leadership meeting in Wayanad, which was part of the party's preparations to replicate its local body election success in the upcoming assembly polls. The news initially caused surprise among the gathered leaders, but they quickly regrouped, vowing to confront the issue politically.
Congress insiders believe the move is not merely targeted at Satheesan personally. They perceive it as a broader attempt by the CPI(M) to corner the entire opposition and prevent the UDF from facing the elections with a strong, unified front led by Satheesan. The leadership concluded that this is the government's latest ploy to divert attention from existing cases and allegations it is facing.
