Thiruvananthapuram: Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday defended his controversial “chettatharam” remark against former CPM leader G Sudhakaran, stating that the term was not intended as a personal insult but as a reference to “political cheapness” and ideological betrayal.

Responding to media queries at a press conference, the Kerala Chief Minister clarified that he did not call Sudhakaran a “chetta” (loosely translated as a bad person), but used the phrase in a political context.

“I said political ‘chettatharam’. It is a term I have used several times earlier. It does not mean I am calling someone ‘chetta’,” Vijayan said, emphasising that his remark should be interpreted in the context of political conduct.

The Chief Minister alleged that Sudhakaran’s recent actions amounted to a betrayal of both his personal principles and the party’s Marxist ideology. “That is how it should be seen,” he added.

The remark has triggered a sharp political row in Kerala, with Sudhakaran accusing Vijayan of misusing and misinterpreting Malayalam terminology.

Amid the controversy, K C Venugopal, general secretary of the Indian National Congress, alleged that CPM leaders were attempting to redefine the meaning of “chettatharam” to justify the Chief Minister’s statement.

Sudhakaran, a four-time MLA, had earlier opted not to renew his CPM membership and decided to contest the election independently. He alleged that he and his family faced attacks on social media and that he was sidelined by party leadership in Alappuzha.

The UDF has chosen not to field a candidate in Ambalapuzha and has extended support to Sudhakaran.

Sudhakaran is set to contest against sitting MLA H Salam in the April 9 election, setting the stage for a closely watched political battle in the constituency.

PTI