Pinarayi is trying to appease political bigwigs in Delhi: VD Satheesan

In his latest statement, V.D. Satheesan, the leader of the opposition in Kerala, has accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of pandering to the sentiments of political bigwigs in Delhi by granting an interview to a newspaper like “The Hindu”. Satheesan noted that the Chief Minister is not typically known for giving interviews while in the capital, suggesting that this was an attempt to appease a ‘particular’ community and project their narrative.

Speaking to reporters in Kattakada, Satheesan highlighted that the Chief Minister’s actions reflect a political fear, suggesting that the government is acting out of concern for its standing among the ‘more influential’ in Delhi. He alleged that Vijayan's approach is indicative of a deeper political decay within the ruling CPI(M) party, which he claims is leading to the disintegration of the left alliance.

Satheesan pointed out the irony of the Chief Minister engaging with a public relations agency, despite already having a media team and a social media strategy costing around 12 lakh rupees per month. He questioned the necessity of hiring an external PR agency for the interview, calling for clarity on the connections and motivations behind this decision.

He further accused the PR agency of drafting statements that were misleading or inflammatory, asking whether the Chief Minister would take legal action against them if they were responsible for publishing contentious content without his approval. Satheesan demanded transparency regarding the individuals present during the interview, suggesting a deeper involvement of the PR firm in the government’s media strategies.

The opposition leader also insinuated that the Chief Minister’s focus on issues like gold smuggling is merely a diversionary tactic, akin to strategies employed by the BJP to create division. He asserted that the Chief Minister’s recent remarks echo a political narrative pushed by the national right-wing, arguing that this is a sign of the weakening left alliance, particularly following the recent party declaration by P.V. Anvar.

As political tensions rise in Kerala, Satheesan’s accusations underscore ongoing concerns about the integrity and motives behind government communications, especially in the face of shifting political allegiances and pressures from both local and national fronts.