Kerala’s Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, has strongly denied any involvement in the “character assassination” campaign targeting Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leader K.J. Shine. Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, Satheesan suggested that the defamatory online attacks against Ms. Shine might even be an “insider job,” pointing to what he described as “intense factional feuding” within the CPI(M) in Ernakulam district.
“I urge the public to carefully consider the statements made by CPI(M) Vypeen MLA K.N. Unnikrishnan, as they might provide clues to identifying the true culprits behind these attacks,” Satheesan stated. He acknowledged that a YouTube channel, known for frequently criticizing him, had broadcast the offensive material. He also admitted that some Congress members subsequently shared this content, possibly as retaliation for similar attacks against their own party leaders. However, Satheesan emphasized, “I have no part in such forwards.”
The Opposition Leader further added that he has consistently advised pro-Congress social media channels against launching defamatory attacks on political opponents, especially when targeting women.
CPI(M) MLA Responds
In response to Satheesan’s claims, K.N. Unnikrishnan, the CPI(M) MLA, dismissed the accusation that the cyberattacks on Ms. Shine were an internal party affair. Unnikrishnan asserted that the CPI(M) maintains a strict organizational structure capable of immediately detecting any subtle deviation from party principles, particularly regarding comrades. He challenged Satheesan, stating, “If Mr. Satheesan is genuinely sincere, he should unequivocally condemn the cyberattacks and the character assassination campaign against Ms. Shine.”
K.J. Shine Slams Congress
Meanwhile, K.J. Shine, speaking to reporters in Kochi, confirmed that she has formally approached the government regarding the cyberattacks. “I will pursue every possible avenue in my quest for justice,” she declared. Ms. Shine accused Congress leaders in Ernakulam of orchestrating the slanderous campaign. She argued that they cannot simply dismiss their actions by claiming they “merely forwarded” content they inadvertently stumbled upon online. “Every single share constitutes an indirect endorsement. The Congress has orchestrated this character assassination campaign against me to deflect attention from allegations of misconduct currently plaguing their own party leaders,” she concluded.