Opposition Leader V D Satheesan Slams Kerala Government for Pre-Election Deception
In a scathing critique, opposition leader V D Satheesan has accused the ruling LDF government in Kerala of making last-minute announcements to deceive the public as elections approach. Addressing the media during the UDF's Puthu Yuga Yatra in Kottayam on Wednesday, Satheesan highlighted multiple areas where he claims the government has failed to deliver on promises.
Pay Revision Commission and Financial Burden
Satheesan asserted that the government is now promising initiatives it neglected for a decade. He pointed to the pay revision commission as a prime example, noting it was announced at a time when implementation should have followed the initial 2024 announcement. "By the time the commission submits its report, the next government will be in place," he said, alleging that the current administration is trying to impose financial burdens on its successor.
PSC Age Limit and Backdoor Appointments
On the issue of increasing the age limit for PSC exams, Satheesan criticized the timing, calling it a move made at the fag end of the government's tenure. He emphasized that many candidates who were included in rank lists were not appointed, leading to protests in front of the Secretariat with no action taken. "Meanwhile, the state government set a record for backdoor appointments," he claimed, alleging thousands were appointed across departments, including the CM's office, undermining reservation policies. "Those who made employment exchanges redundant are now announcing the extension of PSC age limit," he added.
Sabarimala Gold Heist and SIT Arrests
Satheesan also addressed the arrest of tanthri Kandararu Rajeevaru in the Sabarimala gold heist case, accusing the SIT of failing to disclose reasons behind the arrest. "The day after the tanthri's arrest, we said the SIT has a responsibility to inform the public about his role," he stated. He noted that even the remand report was unclear, and the court commented that the arrest was made without evidence. "So, the arrest was to divert attention from the investigation," he alleged, suggesting the CMO pressured the SIT and created conditions for the accused to get bail, potentially allowing evidence destruction.
Pension Increases and Financial Mismanagement
The Congress leader heavily criticized the government's pension increase, recalling a 2021 promise to raise it from Rs 1,600 to Rs 2,500, which he said was not fulfilled. "Just before the election, they increased it by Rs 400," he stated, accusing the government of deceiving poor voters who expected a Rs 900 increase. On financial stability, Satheesan challenged the finance minister's claims, pointing to unpaid bills below Rs 5 lakh in local bodies and a Rs 1,200 crore debt owed to Supplyco. "While Kerala led in inflation for 12 months, they claim the financial situation is stable," he remarked.
Unfulfilled Development Packages and Commission Reports
Satheesan listed several unfulfilled development packages, including an Rs 18,000 crore package for Kattappana bus stand in Idukki, an Rs 12,000 crore package for coastal areas, and an Rs 7,000 crore package for Wayanad, alleging not a penny was spent. He also criticized the government for inaction on Justice J B Koshy's commission report, submitted in 2023 but not yet published. "They announced implementation only after strong protests, knowing they won't have to follow through," he said, concluding that the government is deceiving people at the last minute.
