Palakkad (Kerala), Feb 17 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition, V. D. Satheesan, declared on Tuesday that the Kerala High Court’s ruling against the Pinarayi Vijayan administration’s Nava Kerala Survey has substantiated the claims persistently made by the Opposition regarding the extensive misuse of public resources for electoral purposes.

Satheesan contended that the survey was designed as a political maneuver to showcase the accomplishments of the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) in anticipation of upcoming elections.

He alleged that a circular from the party had designated members of the affiliated youth organization, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), as volunteers, with government funds being used to compensate them.

"The High Court has clearly stated that the survey is unlawful and must be halted. Any funds collected should be refunded. This is a definitive affirmation of the Opposition’s position," he remarked.

The court's decision arose from a petition initiated by KSU leader Mubas Odakkali, with State president Aloysius Xavier joining the case.

Satheesan accused the government of squandering crores of rupees from the public treasury on flex boards featuring the Chief Minister’s image, even as he labeled Kerala as facing an unprecedented financial crisis.

He also raised concerns regarding alleged directives given to forest officials to visit communities and promote governmental schemes.

"Is this the responsibility of forest officers? The government apparatus is being exploited for election propaganda," he stated.

On the contentious Sabarimala women’s entry matter, Satheesan criticized the government for its "evasive silence."

He insisted that the administration must explicitly clarify whether it plans to amend the affidavit supporting women’s entry.

"The UDF’s stance is to uphold traditions. The CPI-M must plainly communicate whether it still endorses its previous position," he asserted, noting that the government and police had previously facilitated the entry of two women.

He further pointed to irregularities in the organization of the Global Ayyappa Meet, questioning the claims of expenditure and accusing the organizers of financial opaqueness.

Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan was held accountable for this, he said.

Satheesan also chastised the government for neglecting paddy farmers, citing delays in procurement payments and a cutback in state incentives despite increased Central assistance.

In a critical remark regarding CPI-M state Secretary M.V. Govindan’s yatra, he claimed that the UDF campaign was attracting significantly larger audiences without the need for "PR theatrics."