Satheesan Clarifies UDF Position on KC(M), Welcomes Mani Memorial Decision
Opposition leader V D Satheesan made a strong statement on Friday in Thiruvananthapuram. He clearly stated that the United Democratic Front never claimed it held talks with the Kerala Congress (Mani) group. The UDF also never suggested that KC(M) would return to the front. Satheesan reiterated that KC(M) continues to remain a part of the Left Democratic Front alliance.
He emphasized that the UDF did not issue any statement that could undermine the credibility of the KC(M) party. The opposition leader expressed his views firmly during a press interaction.
Land Allotment for Mani Memorial Long Overdue
Satheesan addressed the government's recent decision to allot land for a memorial dedicated to late KC(M) leader K M Mani. He called this a long overdue decision that should have been made years ago. Future generations should know about Mani and his contributions, according to Satheesan.
"We are happy that UDF also became a reason for the government's decision," he remarked. The opposition leader pointed out a clear irony in the current situation. CPM leaders publicly cursed Mani and made abusive remarks against him when he was alive. Now those same leaders hold power and have approved land for his memorial.
Satheesan stated that the UDF welcomes the decision despite this obvious political hypocrisy. He did not mince words when describing the contradictory behavior of the ruling party members.
Congress Takes Strict Stand on Women's Dignity
Referring to recent controversies involving some party leaders, Satheesan declared that Congress will not tolerate insults or derogatory remarks against women. The party maintains a zero-tolerance policy on this matter.
He confirmed that Congress would issue warnings to offenders. Repeat offenders would face expulsion from the party. Satheesan made this position unequivocally clear during his address.
Satheesan Criticizes CPM's Selective Outrage
The opposition leader criticized CPM leaders for their reactions after Aisha Potty left the party to join Congress. He noted that they remained completely silent when several CPM leaders joined the BJP recently. This selective outrage exposes political double standards.
Satheesan alleged that the AKG Centre was spreading false propaganda. They claimed that Mahila Congress leaders were planning to join CPM. He strongly refuted these rumors as baseless.
He specifically addressed rumors about Congress leader Shanimol Osman joining CPM. Satheesan called such campaigns disgraceful. They humiliated her while she was grieving after her father's death. He condemned this insensitive political maneuvering.
Personal Attacks and Political Motivation
Satheesan revealed that daily social media campaigns target him personally. He described these attacks as clearly politically motivated. The opposition leader suggested that this negative publicity actually works to his advantage.
It reflects the desperation of those behind these coordinated campaigns, according to Satheesan. He remains unfazed by these persistent attempts to undermine his credibility.
UDF Continues to Attract New Support
Satheesan predicted that not only political parties but individuals, social groups and organizations would return to the UDF fold. He clarified that he had not named any specific party in this context. However, he confirmed that parties from both NDA and LDF have joined or were in the process of joining UDF.
He provided a concrete example. A CPM leader resigned from the party in Wayanad on Friday. This demonstrates the ongoing political realignments in Kerala.
UDF Strength Versus LDF Internal Conflicts
Satheesan firmly rejected claims that UDF was weakening. He cited consistent electoral performance as proof. The front has achieved wins in bypolls, Parliamentary and Local Self Government polls over the past three decades.
He asserted that UDF continues to function as a united team with strong coordination. Meanwhile, mistrust and internal conflicts are growing within LDF after a decade in power. The ruling front shows clear signs of fragmentation according to the opposition leader.
Sabarimala and Gold Heist Allegations
Replying to questions on Sabarimala and the role of former Travancore Devaswom Board administration during UDF regime, Satheesan suggested a comprehensive probe. Such an investigation could go back even fifty years if required.
Yet no probe would conceal the gold heist involving CPM leaders and party-affiliated staff, he alleged. Satheesan accused certain elements of attempting to divert public attention. They dragged the name of his party leader Sonia Gandhi into the controversy unnecessarily.
Satheesan directly accused the Chief Minister's Office and CPM of trying to protect those yet to be arrested. He claimed CPM was afraid to act against those already in prison. These are serious allegations about political interference in investigation processes.
