Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has declined a direct public debate with opposition leader VD Satheesan, clarifying that he had invited a discussion via Facebook rather than an in-person face-off. The CM explained the decision during a press conference on Tuesday, emphasising that his engagement was intended for an online dialogue.

Following the briefing, VD Satheesan renewed his challenge, posting on Facebook that the date and venue for the debate have yet to be finalised and reminding the Chief Minister that 24 hours had already passed since he expressed willingness for the debate.

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Separately, the Chief Minister addressed allegations regarding the SDPI (Social Democratic Party of India) in Nemom, which had previously expressed support for the ruling LDF. Pinarayi Vijayan categorically denied any understanding or formal alliance with SDPI, stating that the LDF has not sought support from any party outside the alliance.

“Allegations of a deal with SDPI are completely unfounded. People will make decisions based on the practical realities of the constituency. Nemom was never meant to be a BJP stronghold. The Congress facilitated the BJP in 2016 as part of a specific plan. We closed all such accounts in 2021. Many forces, politically opposed to us, may have indirectly helped prevent a BJP victory. However, this does not indicate any formal support or agreement,” the CM said.

Pinarayi Vijayan further reaffirmed the LDF’s stance against communalism, emphasising a firm commitment to secularism and non-communal politics in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections 2026.