Kochi, Jan 19 (NationPress) In a vehement critique of the governing CPI(M), the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), V.D. Satheesan, expressed grave concerns on Monday, accusing the party and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of deliberately steering Kerala towards perilous communal fragmentation. He cautioned that such political maneuvers could irreparably undermine the state's secular ethos.

Reacting to recent comments from senior CPI(M) figures, including Minister Saji Cherian, LoP Satheesan stated that never before in Kerala's political landscape had a constitutionally sworn minister urged citizens to evaluate the religion and caste of electoral victors.

“This is not merely irresponsible; it is inhumane and dangerous. It leads Kerala to a point where the foundational values of this state will be obliterated,” he asserted.

Satheesan further accused the CPI(M) of following the same path previously traversed by the Sangh Parivar—creating communal rifts for political advantage.

“Historically, the Sangh Parivar has perfected this strategy. Today, CPI(M) is mimicking it, with the Chief Minister offering protection,” he claimed, adding that these controversial remarks were made with the Chief Minister's awareness.

Highlighting that Kerala would endure beyond individual politicians, Satheesan remarked, “Pinarayi Vijayan and I will eventually be forgotten, but Kerala will persist. Endangering its secular foundation is an act of cruelty toward future generations.”

In response to criticism regarding his interactions with community leaders, the Opposition leader stated that there is no contradiction between opposing communalism and engaging with social figures.

“Votes do not belong to anyone; the people decide. Political leaders engage with all societal segments. I have never disrespected any community or leader,” he said.

Reflecting on the Nilambur bypoll, Satheesan noted that attempts to incite communal anxiety were decisively thwarted, with the UDF achieving a victory margin exceeding 11,000 votes.

He also rejected repeated attempts by the Chief Minister to invoke Jamaat-e-Islami as a political scare tactic, referencing past instances where the CPI(M) had previously engaged with the organization.

Affirming his readiness to confront any personal or political repercussions, Satheesan declared he would not waver in his stance.

“Even if I fall while combatting communalism, it will be a noble sacrifice,” he vowed, warning that the CPI(M)’s engagement with divisive politics would herald “the onset of its demise” in Kerala.