Idukki, Dec 3 (NationPress) In a scathing critique of the CPI(M)'s response to allegations of corruption and sexual assault, Kerala's Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, asserted on Wednesday that the ruling party is anxious that its senior members might become whistleblowers if internal investigations advance.

He drew a stark contrast to what he labeled the Congress party’s “exemplary and dignified” approach regarding complaints against its own officials.

Satheesan pointed out that the denial of bail to former Devaswom Board presidents A. Padmakumar and Vasu indicates the seriousness of the charges they face in the Sabarimala gold heist case.

“There is substantial evidence before the court. The investigation led by the High Court-appointed SIT has resulted in their imprisonment. The court even dismissed appeals based on age, citing the risk of evidence tampering,” he underlined.

Despite this, he remarked, the CPI(M) has taken “no disciplinary action whatsoever” against them.

“This is merely the beginning. More CPI(M) leaders are likely headed to jail,” he charged.

Addressing the complaint against Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, Satheesan noted that the party acted swiftly even before a formal complaint was lodged.

“The leadership suspended him even without a written complaint. The complaint received yesterday was promptly forwarded to the State Police Chief. No political party has showcased such integrity,” he stated.

In contrast, he alleged, Chief Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and M.V. Govindan possess “numerous complaints” that have never been reported to the police.

“The CPI(M) has acted as judge and jury, stifling every complaint,” he remarked.

Satheesan maintained that the Congress is not on the back foot. “If we had failed to act, then we would have been cornered. We will not tolerate even a blemish on the party’s image,” he added, stating that the leadership would collectively deliberate on the latest complaint.

He accused the CPI(M) of exploiting the situation to distract from the “large-scale loot” occurring in Sabarimala.

“The party preaches morality while harboring those accused of rape. Two individuals are imprisoned for stealing Ayyappa’s gold, yet no actions have been taken. What a shameless party the CPI(M) has become,” he exclaimed.

Pointing out complaints from women “gathering dust in the cupboards of the AKG Centre (State CPI (M) headquarters),” Satheesan asserted that the public would form their own judgments.

“Let this be a topic during the elections. Voters will compare the Congress and the CPI(M), and they will discern the differences,” he said.