Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan has accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] of fielding candidates with links to the drug mafia, sex offence cases and major criminal conspiracies in the local body elections, warning that such choices send a dangerous message in the run up to the polls.
He was speaking to media persons during a ‘meet-the-press’ programme organised by the Kasaragod Press Club on Sunday.
He said the CPI(M) was attempting to shield its leaders by refusing to take action against those convicted or facing serious allegations, including in the Sabarimala gold theft case. “Two former presidents of the Travancore Devaswom Board have been jailed in connection with the gold theft case. Yet the CPI(M) protects them,” he said.
He listed individuals such as P.P. Sureshan Pattu, an accused in the Ariyil Shukoor murder case; Karayi Chandrasekharan, an accused in the Fazal murder case; V.K. Nishad, sentenced to 20 years for attempting to kill policemen in Payyannur; Shanavas, who faced drug trafficking allegations; and Pradeepan, who allegedly misbehaved with a girl. He also pointed out the candidature of the former Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Rathnakumar, who investigated the allegations against P.P. Divya in the ADM Naveen Babu death case. “The CPI(M) is protecting criminals and sending a wrong political message,” Mr. Satheesan said.
He said the Left Democratic Front government had failed Kasaragod despite promising a ₹300 crore development package for the district in 2022. Only ₹28 crore of this was spent, he said, citing the Chief Minister’s reply in the Assembly. “ Not even 10% was used to address the district’s backwardness. There was no meaningful effort from the government,” he said.
He criticised the delay in including Endosulfan victims on the official list. Although 1,905 people were identified in 2017, the number was arbitrarily reduced, he said. Despite protests and repeated assurances, including the Chief Minister’s announcement in July 2024 that 1,031 remaining victims would be added, no progress had been made. “The government has failed the most affected people,” he said.
Mr. Satheesan also accused the CPI(M) of adopting “fascist” methods during the elections. He alleged that in panchayats in the home district of the Chief Minister and party secretary, Opposition candidates were prevented from filing nominations. He added that the party once free of rebels was now facing rebellion Statewide.
Responding to questions on the controversy involving Rahul Mamkootathil, MLA, Mr. Satheesan said that party acted even before a formal complaint was filed. He denied allegations that the Congress was behind cyber attacks on women journalists, claiming that the CPI(M) had the worst record in Kerala for online abuses.
On the BJP, he said the party had failed to mount a credible contest in Kerala, including in Kasaragod, and did not have candidates in many places. At the same time, he accused the CPI(M) government of being subservient to the BJP at the Centre, citing the handling of schemes such as the PM-Shri and decision related to the Labour Codes.
Mr. Satheesan warned that large number of voters remained outside the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) list, and alleged that names were being removed without proper verification. “The process needs to be extended till after elections,” he said adding that many BLOs were unable to trace voters who had shifted residence. He also questioned whether CPI(M) members and relatives contesting without the party symbol were doing so to attract BJP’s favour. “Even well-known leaders are contesting without the symbol,” he said.
The UDF, he added, had released a manifesto outlining plans to strengthen decentralisation, improve living standards and address regional issues, expressing confidence of a strong performance in the polls.
Published – November 30, 2025 09:37 pm IST
