Kerala Opposition Leader Satheesan Denies Minister's Allegations Over Wreath Protest
In a sharp rebuttal on Saturday, Kerala opposition leader V D Satheesan categorically dismissed health minister Veena George's accusation that he instructed Youth Congress workers to stage a 'wreath protest' at her residence. The protest was related to a surgical lapse incident at Alappuzha Medical College Hospital (MCH).
Satheesan's Firm Denial and Counter-Questions
While leading the UDF's Puthu Yuga Yatra in Kochi, Satheesan addressed reporters with pointed remarks. "Is that my only job?" he questioned rhetorically, emphasizing that such actions are not his means of agitation. "That is not our means of agitation. And my job is not to instruct anyone to place wreaths at the houses of ministers," he stated firmly.
He further challenged the minister by referencing past incidents involving DYFI activists. Satheesan asked whether attacks at his official residence in Thiruvananthapuram's Cantonment House and his private residence in Paravur were conducted with ministerial knowledge. "The DYFI activists destroyed plant pots and other things at my official residence. They assaulted visitors at my private house and caused damage to properties. Yet, no cases were registered against them," he revealed.
Despite these experiences, Satheesan clarified his personal stance, stating that he disagrees with protests at the private residences of ministers. He added that instead of taking action against the attackers, the police had registered non-bailable cases against those present inside his house and individuals who had come to submit representations.
Minister Veena George's Allegations
Earlier in the day, health minister Veena George had publicly accused Satheesan of directing the Youth Congress workers to carry out what she termed an 'attack' at her residence. "Kerala should listen to this. The attack at my residence was carried out as per the direction of the opposition leader," she alleged, escalating the political tension in the state.
Satheesan's Demand for Judicial Probe into Tanthri's Arrest
In a related development, Satheesan shifted focus to another contentious issue, demanding a high court-monitored probe into the arrest of Sabarimala Tanthri Kandararu Rajeevaru. He labeled the 40-day imprisonment of the tanthri as a "politically motivated conspiracy" designed to shield the CPM from mounting allegations.
Satheesan challenged the special investigation team probing the Sabarimala gold scam to provide concrete evidence regarding the tanthri's alleged involvement. He argued that the arrest was weaponized by CPM ministers to bolster the chief minister's image, further intensifying the political discourse in Kerala.
The exchange highlights ongoing political rivalries in Kerala, with both sides leveraging allegations and counter-allegations to advance their narratives. The surgical lapse incident at Alappuzha MCH and the Sabarimala gold scam continue to be focal points of contention, reflecting broader issues in the state's governance and law enforcement.
