Is CPI(M) Shielding Criminals? Satheesan Defends Congress in Rahul MLA Controversy
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Satheesan defends Congress’s actions regarding suspended MLA Rahul Mamkootathil.
- CPI(M) accused of protecting criminals and failing to address serious offenses.
- The political environment in Kannur is tense, with allegations of intimidation against opposition candidates.
- Public awareness of political hypocrisy is rising among the people of Kerala.
- Court proceedings for Mamkootathil's case are ongoing.
Kannur (Kerala), Nov 29 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V.D. Satheesan, on Saturday strongly defended the Congress’s approach concerning the complaint against suspended MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, while also launching a fierce critique of the ruling CPI(M) for allegedly shielding criminals and those involved in serious crimes.
Satheesan emphasized that the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) had previously initiated organizational actions against Mamkootathil and articulated its position following thorough internal discussions.
“One cannot impose penalties multiple times for the same matter. The KPCC president has distinctly conveyed the party’s stance after deliberations. This is the unified position of the Congress,” he stated.
He accused the CPI(M) of trying to manipulate the situation to distract from the Sabarimala gold theft scandal.
“We refuse to be ensnared by that ploy. Two former presidents of the Travancore Devaswom Board have been imprisoned related to the theft of Ayyappa’s gold, yet the CPI(M) has failed to take any action against them,” Satheesan alleged.
He further lambasted the CPI(M) for nominating a candidate who had been convicted for his involvement in a bomb attack on a police vehicle in Payyannur.
“The court found him guilty of attempting to murder police officers and handed down a 20-year prison sentence. Despite this, the CPI(M) continues to protect him. This reflects their hypocritical stance,” he remarked.
Satheesan also charged the ruling party with fostering an environment of fear and intimidation within Kannur district.
“In the Chief Minister’s own district, candidates from the opposition have faced threats of violence and arson when attempting to file nominations. This is a form of fascism,” he asserted.
He maintained that the CPI(M) denies political freedom to its rivals in its strongholds while advocating democracy in other contexts.
“The people of Kerala are aware of this hypocrisy,” he claimed, adding that criminals and looters receive political backing under the current regime.
Meanwhile, a court in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday scheduled the anticipatory bail request of Rahul Mamkootathil—who has been accused by a woman of sexual exploitation—to be heard on Wednesday. His current whereabouts remain uncertain.