Pinarayi vs Satheesan: Political battle over RSS links escalates

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the Assembly elections approach, the political war of words among top leaders is intensifying. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticised Opposition Leader V D Satheesan over alleged links with the RSS. In response, Satheesan said that the public knows who really has connections with the RSS. Meanwhile, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that those unable to face the public are focusing on controversies instead of real issues. The exchange of allegations continues.

I have always been a target of the RSS: Pinarayi Vijayan

Pinarayi Vijayan dismissed Satheesan’s allegation that he had contested with the support of the RSS, calling it baseless. He said his party does not resort to “cheap politics” for a few votes. "I've always been a primary target of the RSS in Kerala and have faced continuous attacks, both physically and politically, since the beginning of my political career," Pinarayi said.

He added that the CPM has consistently fought against the RSS and protected secular values in Kerala, and does not need validation from anyone.

"The Congress party is the one that has formed questionable alliances for political gains. Those who know about Kerala politics are aware of it. I have one request to Satheesan. The money collected to build houses for the Wayanad disaster victims should be given to them. Where has that money gone?” he added.

I did not win with RSS votes like Pinarayi: V D Satheesan
V D Satheesan hit back, saying that repeated speeches would not erase the “RSS stain” on Pinarayi Vijayan. He claimed that evidence had been presented in the Assembly showing that Pinarayi Vijayan had won with RSS support, and that the Chief Minister had remained silent at the time.

“If a book released by V.S. Achuthanandan in Thiruvananthapuram was later released by me in Thrissur, how does that make it an RSS link? People here know who is spreading baseless lies. The repeated derogatory remarks made by Pinarayi deserve an award. The lengths he goes to for a few votes are shameful. When the Opposition Leader gave an interview to a channel, the police removed it and filed a case. The kind of fear seen in Hitler and Stalin now seems to have affected Pinarayi as well,” Satheesan said.

Those with no development agenda focus on controversies: Rajeev Chandrasekhar
Rajeev Chandrasekhar said both major political fronts are creating daily controversies and engaging in debates around them instead of focusing on development. He said that parties with no development agenda are relying on such issues.

"The BJP is focused on development and the welfare of the people. The development model implemented by Narendra Modi at the national level would be brought to Kerala as well. Steps would be taken to ensure that students do not have to leave the state for education or jobs. More industries and employment opportunities would be created," Rajeev Chandrasekhar said.

He criticised attempts to divert attention from development discussions through “deal allegations” and old political debates, saying voters would reject such politics in the upcoming elections.