Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan Critiques Kerala Government Over Allegations Involving Minister's Wife
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Key Takeaways
Thiruvananthapuram, March 9 (NationPress) Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan has vocally condemned the Kerala government, led by Pinarayi Vijayan, following serious allegations made against Transport Minister K. B. Ganesh Kumar. He questioned the possibility of justice in Kerala when even the wife of a minister cannot receive adequate protection.
“If a minister's wife is unable to find justice in Kerala, then who can?” Satheesan remarked, addressing the claims made by Bindu Menon, the minister's spouse.
As per Satheesan, Bindu Menon allegedly called for help after being confined within a room by the minister’s personal aides.
“She was heard shouting ‘help, help’ while being locked in a room. Had she not come forward publicly, I wouldn’t have brought this issue up,” he stated.
The Opposition leader has also urged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to clarify the government’s position regarding this scandal.
“I eagerly await the Chief Minister's response on this matter,” he added.
In response to Ganesh Kumar’s assertion that the allegations were politically motivated, Satheesan countered that it is not the Opposition's role to fabricate such claims.
“The minister claimed these are UDF allegations. Is that our responsibility? Initially, I refrained from commenting as I was unaware of the details. It was only after his wife made her complaint public that I chose to respond,” he explained.
Critiquing the Cabinet's performance, Satheesan questioned whether such incidents are not a matter of disgrace for the government.
“What kind of Cabinet is this? Is it not embarrassing?” he inquired, also raising concerns regarding the police's reaction.
“A woman has been victimized by the minister’s personal staff. Why did the police fail to act?” he questioned.
CPI-M General Secretary M.A. Baby remarked that since the incident occurred in Kerala, local leaders should respond, as he was not fully informed of the details.
However, when questioned about his swift reaction to previous rape allegations against a now-expelled Congress MLA, Baby stated that the current situation is different, and Kerala leaders should address the issue.
State Higher Education Minister R. Bindhu, a strong advocate for women's rights, indicated she was not informed about the specifics of the case.
“Regardless of who it involves, a woman deserves justice. Being my Cabinet colleague, I believe it would be inappropriate for me to comment without understanding the situation,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Yadu Krishnan, the State Vice President of the Kerala Students Union (KSU), has lodged a complaint with the Director General of Police, demanding a thorough investigation into the allegations against the minister and his staff.