Will firmly reject attempts to defame government: Chief Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said his government would firmly reject any attempt by vested interests to target or defame it. He also said the government would not bow to any pressure group. He made the remarks in an article published in Kerala Kaumudi on the completion of the government’s first 100 days.

Satheesan said a group, with the support of some sections of the media, had tried to defame the government even before it completed three months in office. He said a “baseless campaign” was launched claiming that the government had intervened to remove media reports from social media pages. According to him, the allegations did not last even 24 hours, and Meta later officially clarified that the government had not intervened.

“What do the people behind the false campaign have to say now?” the Chief Minister asked.

Satheesan said the Chief Minister and ministers were not above criticism and that the government would approach criticism with tolerance. “Anyone can point out our mistakes. If there is merit in the criticism, we will correct them,” he said.

He also said those protesting against the government were not its enemies. “We will listen to everyone with an open mind. We will do everything possible to resolve any issue,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the people were the government’s strength and that its approach was to take forward comprehensive development and social welfare together. “We know that promises are meant to be fulfilled,” he said.

He added that the government’s position was that welfare pensions should not be delayed even for a month. Despite the financial challenges, the government aims to implement projects that provide relief to people and create employment opportunities, Satheesan said.