Is This Really Democratic Kerala? Satheesan Critiques Police Action in CM Vijayan-Potti AI Image Controversy
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Synopsis
V.D. Satheesan expresses strong condemnation of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's police actions against Congress leader N. Subramanian, asserting that Kerala is not an autocracy but a democracy. With claims of selective law enforcement and abuse of AI tools, Satheesan warns of growing public discontent leading up to the 2026 elections.
Key Takeaways
- Satheesan's strong condemnation of police actions reflects growing tensions.
- Concerns over selective law enforcement and civil liberties are paramount.
- The use of AI for political propaganda raises ethical questions.
- Public sentiment is shifting as the 2026 elections approach.
- Political discourse in Kerala is becoming increasingly charged.
Kochi, Dec 27 (NationPress) V.D. Satheesan, Kerala's Leader of the Opposition, vehemently criticized Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday regarding the detention and interrogation of senior Congress figure N. Subramanian. This action is linked to the dissemination of an image depicting Vijayan alongside Unnikrishnan Potti, the key suspect in the Sabarimala gold heist case.
Satheesan claimed that the manner in which police apprehended Subramanian early Saturday at his home resembled the behavior of an “autocratic ruler”, stating that Kerala is being driven toward a climate of fear.
“This is not Stalin’s Russia or Idi Amin’s Uganda. This is democratic Kerala,” he asserted.
He remarked that mainstream media had widely published images of the Chief Minister with Potti and alleged that the police action was a retaliatory measure following the CPI-M's supposed false campaign against Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
Satheesan accused the government of enforcing laws selectively, arguing that while opposition leaders were quickly targeted for their social media posts, complaints regarding the CPI-M’s online campaigns went largely unaddressed.
He also pointed out that social media accounts linked to the CPI-M had repeatedly engaged in personal and “sexually charged” attacks against women journalists, opposition figures, and even family members of political leaders.
“The CPI-M has become the largest abuser of AI technologies,” Satheesan stated, referring to an AI-generated video that falsely depicted Congress leaders dancing.
“Will the police apprehend those responsible?” he questioned.
Targeting Vijayan directly, Satheesan accused the government of being lenient with CPI-M leaders convicted of serious offenses, including bomb attacks on police, while “law-abiding citizens are arrested from their homes at night.”
He raised concerns about corruption within the parole system and accused the administration of protecting criminals, drug traffickers, and those involved in the Sabarimala gold theft.
Satheesan dismissed assertions that the image shared by Subramanian could incite unrest, describing the argument as “absurd”, and cautioned that attempts to intimidate the opposition would ultimately fail.
“The Congress and the UDF will not back down. If this persists, all of us will be arrested,” he proclaimed.
He also forewarned the ruling coalition that public dissatisfaction is increasing and that voters will render a “much stronger verdict in 2026.”
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the delicate balance of power in Kerala's political landscape. V.D. Satheesan's allegations against the ruling government highlight concerns over democratic processes and civil liberties. The situation warrants close observation, as it could influence the political climate leading up to the 2026 elections.
NationPress
29/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Satheesan's criticism of CM Vijayan?
Satheesan criticized CM Vijayan due to the arrest of Congress leader N. Subramanian in connection with an image linking Vijayan to the Sabarimala gold heist suspect.
What allegations did Satheesan make against the CPI-M?
He accused CPI-M of engaging in selective law enforcement, targeting opposition leaders while ignoring complaints against their own cyber campaigns.
How did Satheesan describe the current political environment in Kerala?
Satheesan claimed that Kerala is experiencing a climate of fear and likened the government's actions to those of an autocratic regime.
What did Satheesan say about the use of AI by CPI-M?
He stated that CPI-M has been the biggest abuser of AI tools, referencing an AI-generated video that targeted Congress leaders.
What is Satheesan's warning regarding the next elections?
He warned that public discontent was increasing and that the ruling coalition would face a stronger verdict in the 2026 elections.
