Why is Kerala LoP Satheesan Criticizing the Vijayan Government Over Ayyappa Meet?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Critique of Ayyappa Sammelan - Satheesan's strong condemnation highlights political hypocrisy.
- Sudden Enthusiasm - The government's last-minute focus on Sabarimala raises questions about genuine intent.
- Political Alliances - The opposition leader critiques the relationship between CPI(M) and BJP.
- Historical Context - Past development stalling under UDF is brought into the discussion.
- Implications for Governance - Concerns about caste and religious division in the political narrative.
Malappuram, Sep 23 (NationPress) Kerala’s Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan has publicly condemned the state government for organizing the Ayyappa Sammelan, labeling it as an act of “hypocrisy” and a tactical maneuver ahead of the elections.
Speaking to reporters in Malappuram, he expressed that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is trying to make amends for previous actions at Sabarimala while projecting himself as a pious figure.
“For nine years, the government has failed to initiate any substantial advancements for Sabarimala. Now, all of a sudden, they are enthusiastic and brand it a ‘Master Plan’. This is nothing short of deception,” he remarked.
He pointed out that during the UDF regime, development initiatives on the 112-hectare forest land were halted due to procedural impediments, asserting that the current show of devotion is politically charged.
The Opposition Leader also referenced a recent communication from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, stating, “This message clarifies the government’s intentions. The CPI(M) is in an unholy alliance with the BJP, and this is the most current illustration. The people of Kerala are well aware of this.”
He questioned the rationale behind the BJP’s separate Ayyappa Sammelan, remarking, “If they had joined with Yogi Adityanath, it would have sufficed. Yogi is the Chief Minister’s most effective ally for majority appeasement strategies following the last parliamentary elections.”
Notably, the government-sponsored congregation took place on September 20, inaugurated by Pinarayi Vijayan, while the BJP-led event occurred on Monday, inaugurated by former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai.
Satheesan further accused the government of fostering caste and religious divisions, citing an incident involving a person linked to a vigilance case transported in the Chief Minister’s vehicle.
“Holding development meetings just before elections is absurd. A government that denies funding to local bodies yet organizes such events is mocking both the opposition and the populace,” he added.
“The government has spent a decade undermining Kerala’s governance and economy, and now it preaches about development. All of this is political hypocrisy,” he concluded.