Kasargod (Kerala), Feb 7 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, unleashed a critique against the CPI(M) leadership on Saturday, accusing them of experiencing “selective amnesia” regarding their prolonged association with Jamaat-e-Islami and adopting politically contradictory stances solely for electoral gain.

During a press conference at the Kasargod Government Guest House, following a dialogue event as part of the Congress-led UDF’s Puthuyuga Yatra, Satheesan remarked that CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan was “acting as if he has forgotten” the party's historical connections with Jamaat-e-Islami.

“For 42 years, Jamaat-e-Islami has been a close ally of CPI(M), and both Govindan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan have been elected multiple times with the organization’s backing,” he stated.

He emphasized that video evidence of Vijayan defending Jamaat-e-Islami, along with editorials from CPI(M)’s official publication, Deshabhimani, could readily illustrate this historical context.

“If this memory lapse is intentional, there's little that can be done. However, the public remembers how CPI(M) leaders have shared platforms with Jamaat-e-Islami for decades,” he added.

Satheesan accused the Left party of hypocrisy in labeling the UDF as communal. “Those who have embraced Jamaat-e-Islami for 42 years suddenly portray themselves as secular advocates. Yet, when the same organization supported us, we were labeled communal,” he asserted.

He also criticized CPI(M)’s fluctuating political approach, alleging that they appease minorities before Lok Sabha elections and then shift to majority appeasement afterward. “Now they are left with neither. The party is utterly confused about its statements and actions,” he remarked.

Addressing CPI(M)’s skepticism regarding the Congress claim that the UDF would secure over 100 seats in the upcoming Assembly elections, Satheesan suggested that the Left leadership was struggling to accept the possibility of defeat. “Just as Pinarayi Vijayan once did, Govindan can also announce 110 seats. A popular joke even states that ‘110 is the speed at which one flees after defeat’,” he quipped.

Satheesan explained that the Puthuyuga Yatra aimed to discuss the future of Kerala and introduce new development ideas—an initiative he claimed had never been attempted on such a large scale before. “Govindan is closely observing our journey. In 30 days, he will recognize its significance,” he added.

In response to inquiries about community organizations, Satheesan stated that the Congress would refrain from interfering in the internal matters of any group. “All organizations have the right to voice their opinions. Our position is that everyone should progress together,” he concluded.