Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Wednesday, 2 September sharpened his offensive against the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], asserting that the party was gripped by serious internal unrest following its crushing defeat in the Assembly elections, with fault lines deepening even with its Left Democratic Front coalition partner, the Communist Party of India (CPI).

Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting in Thiruvananthapuram, Satheesan said the CPI(M)'s own post-election analysis had become a flashpoint rather than a corrective exercise, with internal differences intensifying by the day.

Unrest Within the CPI(M)

'Everyone knows there is absolute unrest in the CPI(M) over its election analysis,' Satheesan said, adding that his party was watching the developments from the sidelines. He alleged that the CPI(M)'s feeder organisations were being mobilised onto the streets as a deliberate attempt to divert public attention from the questions confronting the party over its electoral setback.

Satheesan also pointed to what he described as significant differences between the CPI(M) and its coalition partner, the CPI — a rift that, if sustained, could complicate the Left bloc's recovery ahead of future electoral contests.

Anti-Drug Drive and NDPS Courts

On the government's ongoing anti-drug campaign, Satheesan said the 'Toofan' drive was progressing rapidly and that three additional special NDPS courts would be established to expedite trials in drug-related cases. He alleged that the previous administration led by Pinarayi Vijayan had extended political patronage to drug dealers, and said the campaign under state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala was now operating at full force.

PSC Rank Lists, Flood Relief, and Borrowing

The Chief Minister announced that rank lists for 18 PSC categories relating to school teachers — due to expire in September and October 2026 — would be extended by six months, providing relief to thousands of candidates awaiting appointments.

On flood relief, Satheesan said the disbursement process was under examination and that assistance would be released 'very soon.' He also cautioned against reports suggesting the state government could borrow without limits, noting that Kerala was facing financial stress partly because the Finance Commission had not allocated a revenue-deficit grant to the state this time.

Vande Mataram Protocol and Governor Row

Addressing the controversy over the singing of Vande Mataram at official functions, Satheesan said protocol would be followed when constitutional authorities — the President, Prime Minister, or Vice-President — attend state functions. He clarified that only the two prescribed stanzas would be sung at official state events, and that Kerala would continue to invite constitutional authorities to such functions.

Satheesan also criticised former Chief Minister Vijayan's current stance on Governor-related appointments, particularly the appointment of Vice-Chancellors, recalling that an understanding had existed between Vijayan and the Governor during the former's tenure and questioning why Vijayan was now adopting a different position.

Grand Mufti Remarks and Messi GST Fraud

Responding to remarks by the Grand Mufti questioning women's presence in public spaces, Satheesan said the Indian National Congress (Congress) would not accept any attempt to deny women space in public life. He said women must be at the forefront of all activities and noted that Muslim history itself contained examples of women playing active public roles.

On the controversy surrounding the Lionel Messi visit case, Satheesan alleged that a major GST fraud had taken place and said the previous government had itself detected it. He confirmed that the investigation was now progressing.

The Cabinet, he added, had appreciated the Food and Civil Supplies Department for making 13 essential commodities available across the state and praised the Tourism Department for organising the Onam celebrations. With the CPI(M) yet to stabilise its internal narrative, political observers will be watching whether the party's leadership can contain the public fallout before it hardens into a structural split.