V.D. Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition, didn’t hold back on Friday, October 17, launching a strong critique against the Kerala State government and its police force. His ire was sparked by the ongoing crackdown on Congress members in Perambra, which followed an incident involving the assault on MP Shafi Parambil.
“Even the Superintendent of Police admitted that the attack on Shafi Parambil by the police was unprovoked,” Satheesan declared to reporters in Thrissur. “Despite this, the police have concocted a false blast case to frame Congress leaders and activists.”
He further claimed that hundreds of police vehicles and officers were deployed to conduct late-night raids on homes, arresting innocent Congress workers “as if they were cold-blooded murderers.”
“Such heavy-handed police tactics are simply unacceptable in a democratic society,” Satheesan asserted.
Shifting his focus, Satheesan then addressed the troubling Sabarimala gold theft case. He alleged that the arrest of Unnikrishnan Potti was suspiciously delayed, suggesting that several prominent political figures and Devaswom Board members were also involved in the crime.
“The High Court itself noted a clear attempt to cover up this incident,” he stated. “Both the former Devaswom Minister and various board officials were fully aware of what was happening. Potti wasn’t working alone; they conspired to protect him.”
Satheesan also highlighted how former Minister Kadakampally Surendran had publicly lauded Potti as a “devout Ayyappa devotee.”
“Potti was reinstated, allowing them to continue their illicit dealings,” Satheesan claimed. “The Board and the current Devaswom Minister attempted to replicate the same scheme. One shudders to think that even Lord Ayyappa’s golden idol could be the next target.”
On the topic of KPCC (Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee) reorganization, Satheesan mentioned that the process was being carried out in consultation with the national leadership. “My only concern is that the list of secretaries hasn’t been announced yet. I sincerely hope it will feature more young and dedicated leaders who have truly fought for the party,” he expressed.
In a playful jab at the CPI(M), Satheesan quipped that the Left party’s own State committee and secretariat boasted “more members than the entire KPCC list.”
“Before they criticize us, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty should perhaps take a moment to count the members in their own committees,” he concluded with a smirk.