'Easy to defeat CPM, difficult to convince them they lost'; CM Satheesan's sardonic response to MV Govindan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, in a sardonic response, said it is easy to defeat CPM but difficult to convince them that they have lost. Satheesan made this statement during a press conference. The Chief Minister was replying to CPM state secretary Govindan's allegation that there was a BJP-Congress tie-up in almost 30 seats.

VD SATHEESAN:

“In Chathanoor, the LDF lost 11,000 votes, and in Kazhakoottam, they lost 17,000 votes. That's the deal. The senior leaders of the CPM handed over the contested seats to the BJP on a silver platter. In the party meetings, the ranks and leaders severely questioned the non-secular stance of the previous government. They have admitted many things now.

We are not even checking the political background of IAS officers. The action against Dr B. Ashok was withdrawn and reinstated. The reinstatement was done while not withdrawing the disciplinary proceedings. There is a shortage of IAS officers. Many have gone to Delhi on deputation. Those who have gone on central deputation are reluctant to return. Appointments of secretaries and special secretaries are being made with great difficulty.

The circular of November 2018 that restricted the media in the Secretariat is still in force, and action will be taken after examining it. The UDF is against the media ban. A new order is needed to change the old circular. This is being delayed due to busy schedules, including budget preparation.”