Palakkad, February 17: VD Satheesan stated on Tuesday that the Kerala High Court‘s intervention regarding the New Kerala Survey has validated the opposition’s allegations against the Pinarayi Vijayan government. He claimed that this survey was a means of misusing public funds for extensive electoral propaganda.
Satheesan asserted that the survey was a political exercise aimed at promoting the achievements of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) before the elections. He alleged that through a circular, the party appointed volunteers from the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and paid them with government funds.
“The High Court has made it clear that this survey is illegal and should be stopped. If any funds have been collected, they should be returned. This is a clear affirmation of the opposition’s stance,” Satheesan remarked.
This decision came in response to a petition filed by KSU leader Mubas Odakkali, which also involved state president Aloysius Xavier as a party.
The opposition leader accused the state of grappling with a severe financial crisis, yet millions were spent from the government treasury on flex boards featuring the Chief Minister’s image. He also questioned why forest officials were allegedly instructed to promote government schemes in colonies.
“Is it the job of forest officials? The government machinery is being misused for electoral propaganda,” he stated.
Regarding the issue of women’s entry at Sabarimala, Satheesan accused the government of “dodging” the matter. He urged the government to clarify whether it intends to amend the affidavit supporting women’s entry.
He emphasized that the UDF’s stance is to protect traditions and demanded that the CPI(M) clearly state whether it maintains its previous position. Satheesan alleged that the government and police facilitated the entry of two women previously.
He also raised concerns about irregularities in organizing the ‘Global Ayyappa Meet,’ questioning the transparency of expenditure claims and holding Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan accountable.
Satheesan criticized the government over issues faced by rice farmers, stating that there are delays in procurement payments, and despite increased central assistance, state incentives have been cut.
Mocking CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan’s visit, he claimed that the UDF’s campaign is attracting far more crowds without the need for “PR gimmicks.”
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