In a sharp critique of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan on Thursday alleged that a recent settlement between Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar regarding vice-chancellor appointments is against the state's interests. He made these remarks during a press interaction in Kochi.
Alleged Surrender on Vice-Chancellor Appointments
Satheesan pointed out the apparent contradiction in the stance of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). The CPM had been leading protests against Governor Arlekar for several months over the issue of appointing vice-chancellors to state universities. However, the opposition leader claimed that the party abruptly reached a settlement with the Governor just as the Supreme Court seemed to be leaning in favour of the state government's position in the legal battle.
"The settlement is against the state's interests," Satheesan stated emphatically. He demanded clarity from the Chief Minister, asking, "CM should clarify the pressure of which Sangh Parivar leader from Delhi led to the settlement." This comment directly insinuates that pressure from the BJP-led central government influenced the compromise.
Condemnation of Case Against Viral Election Song
Shifting focus to another contentious issue, Satheesan strongly criticized the state government for registering a police case related to the viral song "Pottiye Kettiye." The song, a parody of a devotional Ayyappa song, gained popularity during the recent local body election campaign and referenced the Sabarimala gold heist.
Satheesan called the legal action unprecedented, stating that registering a case over such a parody was unheard of. "LDF govt is taking actions just like BJP," he accused, drawing a parallel with the central ruling party. He argued that the case itself is evidence of how much the song's content troubled the government and the CPM.
"The song was created without hurting any religious sentiments. State govt is infringing on freedom of expression," Satheesan asserted. He further alleged that the CPM was attempting to foster communal tension by investigating the religion and caste of the individuals who created the song. He pledged that the United Democratic Front (UDF) would offer legal and political protection to the lyricist, composer, and singers of the song and was prepared to fight the matter in any court.
Internal Congress Matters and Future Steps
When questioned about the upcoming mayor elections in the remaining corporations where the Congress holds sway, Satheesan outlined the party's internal process. He indicated that the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) would provide suggestions, and the respective District Congress Committees (DCCs) would make the final decisions based on those recommendations.
The opposition leader's press conference in Kochi highlighted the escalating political tensions in Kerala, with the Congress positioning itself as a defender of state autonomy against perceived central interference and as a protector of freedom of expression against what it calls the LDF's increasingly authoritarian tactics.
