Thiruvananthapuram: In a fiery counterattack, Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, V.D. Satheesan, has accused the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) of orchestrating a widespread smear campaign against him. He alleged a systematic propaganda effort is underway to falsely paint him as having embezzled party funds.
Daily Social Media Campaign Alleged
Satheesan claimed that a CPM member, operating from the party's AKG Centre headquarters, is masterminding a daily social media onslaught. "A CPM member is sitting at the AKG Centre, issuing 10 cards every day through social media," he stated. He specifically referred to a recent post that accused him of siphoning off money donated to the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).
Turning the tables, the Congress leader posed a pointed question to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. "Did Pinarayi Vijayan take home all the funds collected by the CPM during his 16 years as party secretary?" He dismissed the viral claim that he had taken away Rs 100 crore as baseless propaganda.
Vigilance Report Leak and a Promise of Retribution
The opposition leader also addressed the recent leak of a vigilance report, submitted to the chief minister a year ago, which recommended a CBI probe against him in connection with the Punarajini housing project. Satheesan framed this leak as part of the coordinated attack.
Issuing a stern warning to the alleged architect of the social media campaign, Satheesan said, "Tell him that when everything is over, an original card will come out against him." He, however, refused to publicly identify the individual when pressed by reporters.
CPM's 'Protection' of Sabarimala Gold Heist Accused
Satheesan escalated his allegations by linking the propaganda to the sensitive Sabarimala gold heist case. He pointed out that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had made serious allegations in court against former Travancore Devaswom Board president A. Padmakumar, implicating him in the theft of Lord Ayyappa's gold.
"Despite this, the CPM is protecting him and other leaders who conspired and assisted in the gold theft," Satheesan charged. He demanded that the CPM clarify if the entire campaign against him is a diversionary tactic to shield those involved in the heist.
"The CPM must clarify if this is all being done to protect the person Padmakumar described as a god-like person behind everything," he asserted. He criticized the state government and the party for continuing to protect the accused, even after the SIT filed a strongly-worded report in court.
The Congress leader's sharp rebuttal marks a significant intensification of the political war of words in Kerala, setting the stage for a major confrontation over allegations of corruption, propaganda, and the integrity of high-profile investigations.
