'No qualms in expressing my opinion to community leaders'; LoP Satheesan amid controversies

KOCHI: Opposition leader VD Satheesan said that he would not shy away from expressing his views to community leaders if the situation demands. Satheesan told the media that speaking against communalism and meeting community leaders are two different things.

Satheesan was responding to the criticisms of SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan and NSS General Secretary G Sukumaran Nair.

V D SATHEESAN:

“I did not insult anyone but faced insult from others. Despite this, I did not make any aggressive remarks. Even yesterday, Vellappally used language not fit for his stature. Whatever talks Sree Narayana Guru Devan barred, Vellappally spouted it yesterday, much against the same ethos he stands for. He should not become an instrument of the BJP and CPM's strategy of creating communalism and making political gains.

Sukumaran Nair criticised me, though respectfully. Sukumaran Nair took a stance against communalism. Therefore, I will not speak against him. I have been to Perunna before and after becoming the Leader of the Opposition. I have also been to the hospital when he was unwell.”