Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 20 (NationPress) — The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) V.D. Satheesan launched a fierce critique against the CPI(M) on Tuesday, accusing them of orchestrating a controversial communal narrative stemming from remarks made by State Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian. Satheesan emphasized that these statements were part of a “premeditated strategy” executed under the supervision of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

According to Satheesan, the timeline of events—beginning with a briefing allegedly provided by the Chief Minister’s PR team to media outlets in Delhi, followed by the Chief Minister echoing these same sentiments in an interview, and ultimately distancing himself from the fallout—strongly indicates a coordinated political maneuver.

He noted that this narrative was further propagated through chosen community leaders in Kerala, culminating in controversial statements from senior CPI(M) figure A.K. Balan and subsequently Saji Cherian.

Labeling Cherian’s remarks as some of the most alarming ever articulated by a minister in Kerala's governance, Satheesan stated that the minister had breached both the Constitution and his oath of office by introducing caste considerations into electoral discourse.

He questioned why the Chief Minister had not taken action to correct the minister or acknowledge the inappropriateness of the comments.

Satheesan remarked that the CPI(M) was striving to normalize communal rhetoric by delegating provocative statements to others and then questioning the public outcry.

The UDF, he declared, would stage vigorous protests both inside and outside the Assembly.

In refuting accusations directed at the UDF, LoP Satheesan expressed that the Front has emerged as a comprehensive political entity transcending regions and communities, as evidenced by the local body election outcomes.

He criticized the CPI(M)’s portrayal of the UDF as reliant on minority votes as politically deceitful, asserting that the UDF has garnered support from all societal segments, including areas traditionally dominated by the CPI(M).

Satheesan accused the CPI(M) of employing the same divisive tactics typically attributed to the Sangh Parivar, cautioning that the ruling party is “playing with fire” in a socially sensitive state like Kerala.

Commenting on the criticism of the Muslim League, he reminded that the CPI(M) had once publicly recognized the League as a democratic and secular party, especially during the period of the Babri Masjid demolition when Kerala remained peaceful.

Satheesan asserted that the CPI(M)’s communal narrative would be decisively rejected by the electorate in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, emphasizing that secularism is non-negotiable for the UDF and the state’s future.