Kerala CM Vijayan Dismisses Congress' CPM-BJP Deal Allegation as 'Absurd'
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly refuted the Congress party's accusation of a clandestine deal between the CPM and BJP, labeling it as absurd and reaffirming that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) will not engage in what he termed rashtreeya chettatharam or political meanness, merely to secure a few additional votes or seats.
Vijayan Counters Allegations of RSS Links
Vijayan outright dismissed opposition leader VD Satheesan's claim that he had collaborated with the RSS during his initial assembly election. Everyone is aware of how the RSS has perceived me since the inception of my political career. They have consistently targeted me, he asserted on Friday. We have now reached a point where any falsehood can be propagated regarding any issue or event.
He reiterated his long-standing allegation that the Congress has repeatedly allied with communal forces. A former president of the Congress state unit publicly admitted some time ago that he provided protection to RSS shakhas, Vijayan pointed out.
Historical References and Criticisms
Vijayan cited historical instances to bolster his argument. He alleged that the Jan Sangh, the predecessor of the BJP, withdrew its candidate in Pattambi to ensure the victory of a Congress candidate against veteran communist leader EMS Namboodiripad. Similarly, he claimed understandings were reached between Congress and BJP when communist leader AK Gopalan contested in Palakkad.
He also criticized BJP candidate B Gopalakrishnan's statement that Guruvayur has yet to elect a Hindu representative to the assembly, condemning such remarks as divisive. It is incorrect to assert that only individuals from a specific community are eligible to contest elections, he emphasized.
LDF's Track Record and Wayanad Relief Efforts
Vijayan contrasted the LDF's governance with that of the UDF, asserting that the LDF regime has consistently fulfilled its promises. He highlighted the steps taken to alleviate the suffering of Wayanad landslide survivors as a prime example. The government constructed the township it pledged, whereas Congress has failed to build the homes it promised to the survivors, he stated. It is deeply objectionable that funds raised to support these survivors have not been utilized for their intended purpose.
Satheesan's Rebuttal and Counter-Allegations
Opposition leader VD Satheesan refuted Vijayan's remarks on Congress-RSS links, accusing the Chief Minister of engaging in majority and minority appeasement. Following the setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Vijayan has shifted to majority appeasement. He promotes majority and minority communalism based on the situation and frequently alters his stance, Satheesan claimed.
He cited instances such as Vijayan initially welcoming Jamaat-e-Islami and later denying any connection with the outfit, as well as his changing position on the Sabarimala women's entry issue post-election losses. This CM is shielding dacoits and robbers while accusing Rahul Gandhi, who was questioned by the ED for 55 hours. The CM's son received summons, yet the outcome remains unknown, Satheesan alleged, referring to the Sabarimala gold heist case.
Satheesan on RSS Interactions and Past Practices
Responding to Vijayan's allegations about his own links with the RSS, Satheesan noted that BJP workers regularly protest at his residence. They have always opposed me. The BJP is actively working to defeat the Congress, he said.
Regarding his attendance at an RSS event in North Paravoor, Satheesan explained that he used to participate in events of all parties to present the Congress' viewpoint during debates. He recalled that when KV Thomas was part of the Congress, the CPM invited him to its state convention in Kannur. Previously, parties extended invitations to leaders from other parties for their events. Such practices have now ceased, he observed.
Satheesan emphasized that unlike Vijayan, he did not secure electoral victories with RSS support. During an assembly session, when I inquired about a meeting with RSS at Mascot Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram, for which he did not use his official car, he remained silent with bowed head and has yet to provide an answer, he stated.
He also mentioned releasing a book authored by RSS leader P Parameswaran in Thrissur, noting that CPM leader VS Achuthanandan released the same book in Thiruvananthapuram, highlighting past cross-party engagements.
