In a sharp critique of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, opposition leader V D Satheesan on Thursday alleged that a recent settlement between Kerala's Chief Minister and the Governor regarding vice-chancellor appointments is detrimental to the state's interests. He also launched a broadside against the government for registering a case over a viral parody song, accusing it of mimicking the BJP's tactics and stifling freedom of expression.
"Settlement Against State's Interests": Satheesan on VC Appointment Deal
Addressing the media in Kochi, V D Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition, expressed strong disapproval of the agreement reached between Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The deal pertains to the appointment of vice-chancellors for the Kerala Technological University and the Kerala University of Digital Sciences.
Satheesan pointed out the irony in the situation, noting that the CPI(M) had been protesting against the Governor on this very issue for several months. He claimed the settlement was hurriedly reached only when the Supreme Court seemed to be leaning in favour of the state government's stance.
"The settlement is against the state's interests," Satheesan asserted. 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 statement directly links the agreement to pressure from the BJP's ideological parent organization in New Delhi.
Government "Acting Like BJP" Over Viral Song Case
Shifting focus to a cultural controversy, Satheesan strongly condemned the state government's decision to register a case over the "Pottiye Kettiye" song. The song, a parody of an Ayyappa devotional tune, went viral during the recent local body election campaign and references the Sabarimala gold heist.
Satheesan called the police action unprecedented, stating that "registering a case over the parody of an Ayyappa song was unheard of." He accused the LDF government of adopting tactics similar to those of the BJP at the centre.
"LDF govt is taking actions just like BJP. The case over the song on Sabarimala gold heist is a prime example of how much it troubles the govt and CPM," he said. The opposition leader defended the song's creators, insisting the work was created without intending to hurt any religious sentiments and that the state was infringing on the freedom of expression.
He further alleged that the CPI(M) was attempting to foster communal tension by investigating the religion and caste of the individuals behind the song. Satheesan pledged that the United Democratic Front (UDF) would offer both legal and political protection to the lyricist, composer, and singers, and is prepared to fight the matter in any court.
Congress's Stance on Upcoming Mayor Elections
When questioned about the Congress party's strategy for the upcoming mayor elections in the remaining corporations, Satheesan outlined the internal process. He indicated that the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) would provide suggestions, and the final decisions would be made by the respective District Congress Committees (DCCs). This statement highlights the party's approach to decentralizing such electoral decisions.
The press conference in Kochi underscores the mounting political tensions in Kerala, with the opposition Congress-led UDF challenging the LDF government on issues ranging from administrative agreements with the Governor to cultural freedom and legal overreach.
