In a sharp critique of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, opposition leader V D Satheesan on Sunday accused the state administration of misusing public funds for election campaigning. Speaking to reporters in Kochi, Satheesan also defended the Congress party's decisive action against its former MLA, Rahul Mamkootathil, following his arrest.
Congress Stance on Mamkootathil and Disciplinary Action
Addressing the arrest of Rahul Mamkootathil, Satheesan stated that the Congress had already taken stringent disciplinary measures. The party suspended him even before a formal complaint was received and expelled him once a complaint was filed. He emphasized that no other political party has demonstrated such promptness in taking action against its own members.
"The Congress cannot demand Mamkootathil's resignation as an MLA because he is no longer a member of our party," Satheesan clarified. He challenged Industries Minister P Rajeeve to investigate how many individuals with similar issues exist within his own party, the CPI(M).
"The law will take its course. Even children in Kerala know my stance on this matter," Satheesan asserted, adding that despite being personally targeted, he remained steadfast. He highlighted that all decisions regarding the matter were made collectively by the party leadership.
Allegations of Misusing Public Funds for Campaigns
Satheesan launched a major allegation against the state government, claiming it was using money from the public treasury to finance election campaigns under the pretext of seeking public opinion on development projects.
"They are spending treasury funds to appoint party members as volunteers and distribute pamphlets that highlight the government's achievements to households," he alleged. While clarifying that the opposition has no issue with election campaigning itself, Satheesan strongly objected to the use of public money for this purpose.
He warned that such actions would lead to legal battles to recover the misused funds. "The government should not conduct election campaigns at the expense of the public. After being in power for ten years, seeking public opinion on development just before elections appears insincere," Satheesan remarked. He pointed out that a letter from the CPI(M) urging party workers to participate in this government program has surfaced, proving the political nature of the activity.
Other Key Issues Raised
Satheesan also touched upon several other pressing matters. On the issue of regularizing technical assistants in local bodies, as requested by the CITU, he said the minister had forwarded the request. However, he noted it would not proceed as court orders prevent making temporary employees permanent. He suggested that considering CITU's request just before elections was politically motivated.
Regarding the selection of the Kochi mayor, Satheesan dismissed controversies, stating that no religious community, including the Latin Church, had demanded a specific candidate. "The current Kochi mayor is not from that community, so why is there a controversy? The Latin Church should not be dragged into this," he said, adding that the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) followed all due procedures in the selection.
On the Sabarimala gold theft case, Satheesan demanded clarity, stating that anyone found guilty must be punished. He said whether a minister or a priest is arrested, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) must explain the nature of their involvement.
