Kochi, April 1 (IANS) Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, on Wednesday mounted a sharp attack on Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accusing him of political hypocrisy, contradictory statements and evading a direct public debate ahead of the Assembly elections.

Addressing the media in Paravur, LoP Satheesan criticised the Chief Minister’s remarks against veteran leader G. Sudhakaran, who is contesting with UDF support after decades in the CPI(M).

He termed Vijayan’s comments “cheap” and said portraying Sudhakaran as a Congress-BJP candidate reflected political insecurity.

Raising the pitch, Satheesan alleged glaring double standards in the CPI(M)’s approach to defectors.

“Those leaving the CPI(M) should not be supported by the UDF, but the CPI(M) welcomes leaders from the Congress and the League,” he said, citing the induction of K.T. Jaleel and others as examples.

He also ridiculed the Chief Minister’s suggestion of a FaceBook-based discussion, insisting that only a face to face debate ensures accountability.

“In a direct debate, answers must be given instantly. It is not like FaceBook where replies can come the next day,” he said, alleging that Vijayan avoids such exchanges to escape scrutiny.

Backing his claims, Satheesan referred to a dispute over housing figures during the Oommen Chandy government.

While he maintained that 4.43 lakh houses were built, he said the Chief Minister dismissed it as false, only to fall silent after evidence was produced.

The Opposition leader further accused the CPI(M) of ideological inconsistency, pointing to past positions that, he claimed, downplayed the communal nature of the Jana Sangh.

He also alleged selective outrage over political support, noting that while the UDF was criticised for backing from certain groups, the CPI(M) remained silent when supported by outfits like SDPI and PDP.

On development, LoP Satheesan challenged the government to a public debate on key projects, including the Vizhinjam port, accusing the CPI(M) of opposing major initiatives such as the GAIL pipeline and Kochi Metro during the UDF regime, only to later claim credit.

He asserted that Sudhakaran, contesting as an Independent, would draw support across party lines and dismissed allegations of political “deals.”

Concluding, Satheesan said the Opposition was ready to counter the government on any issue with data and facts, and accused the Chief Minister’s advisors of misleading him with incorrect information.

With tensions escalating, the exchange signals an intensifying political battle as Kerala heads into a crucial electoral contest on April 9, when 140 new legislators will be voted by the people of Kerala.

–IANS

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