Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 2 (IANS) Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Wednesday intensified his attack on the CPI(M) over the internal debate following its crushing defeat in the Assembly elections, saying the party was experiencing serious unrest and differences, even with its coalition partner, the CPI.
Speaking to the media after the Cabinet meeting, CM Satheesan said the CPI(M)’s election analysis had itself become a source of controversy and that differences within the party were intensifying.
“Everyone knows there is absolute unrest in the CPI(M) over its election analysis,” he said, adding that they are watching the developments from the sidelines.
He also pointed to what he described as big differences between the CPI(M) and CPI.
Satheesan alleged that the CPI(M)’s feeder organisations were being pushed onto the streets as an attempt to divert public attention from the issues confronting the party.
The developments within the CPI(M), he said, were taking place at a time when the party was facing questions over the reasons for its electoral setback.
On the government’s anti-drug drive, CM Satheesan said the ‘Toofan’ campaign was progressing at a rapid pace, and that three more special NDPS courts would be established to expedite trials in drug-related cases.
He claimed that the previous Vijayan government had provided political patronage to drug dealers and said the campaign under state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala was now moving with full force.
CM Satheesan also announced that the rank lists of 18 PSC categories relating to school teachers, which were due to expire in September and October 2026, would be extended by another six months.
On flood relief, he said the disbursement process was being examined and that the assistance would be released very soon.
Reacting to the controversy over the singing of Vande Mataram during official functions, CM Satheesan said protocol would have to be followed when the President, Prime Minister or Vice-President attends a state function.
Kerala, he said, would continue to invite the constitutional authorities to state functions.
At official functions in the state, only the two prescribed stanzas would be sung, he said.
CM Satheesan also criticised Vijayan’s present position on Governor-related appointments, particularly the appointment of Vice-Chancellors.
He recalled that there had been an understanding between Vijayan and the Governor during the former’s tenure as Chief Minister and questioned why Vijayan was now taking a different position.
On the remarks by the Grand Mufti questioning women’s presence in public spaces, CM Satheesan said Congress would not accept any attempt to deny women space in public life.
Women, he said, must be at the forefront of all activities, adding that Muslim history itself contained examples of women playing active public roles.
On the controversy surrounding Lionel Messi’s visit case, CM Satheesan alleged that a major GST fraud had taken place and said the previous government itself had detected it.
The investigation, he said, was now progressing.
CM Satheesan also said the Cabinet had appreciated the Food and Civil Supplies Department for making 13 essential commodities available across the state and praised the Tourism Department for organising the Onam celebrations.
On the state’s borrowing, he cautioned against reports suggesting that the government could borrow without limits, pointing out that Kerala was facing financial difficulties as there was no revenue-deficit grant this time because the Finance Commission had not allocated one for the state.
–IANS
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