Chief Minister criticizes VD Satheesan's alleged threats to Municipal officials

VADAKARA: During a press conference at Vadakara as part of the Navakerala Sadas, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly criticized Opposition Leader VD Satheesan, accusing him of making threatening calls to municipal representatives. Vijayan condemned the reported actions stating that Satheesan's alleged behavior of pressuring officials is undemocratic and unacceptable for Kerala.

Allegedly, the Paravur municipal chairperson and secretary were reportedly coerced to withdraw funds. Chief Minister Vijayan expressed dismay over what he deemed an immature action by Satheesan who also serves as the Paravur MLA emphasizing the obligation of the municipal secretary to uphold official decisions.

Furthermore, Vijayan highlighted that even local representatives expressed discontent with the Congress leadership's boycott decision, suggesting a lack of support for Satheesan's directives within the party. The Chief Minister also confirmed an ongoing police investigation into the Youth Congress organizational elections, assuring that neither the CPM nor the government is involved and that the truth will be revealed through the inquiry.

Ministers attended the press conference at Vadakara Narayana Nagaram ground, with a substantial turnout of activists at the evening closing meeting. Vijayan's engagements include discussions at Tripanda Hotel in Sarovaram, Koyilandi, Balussery, Nanmanda and culminating in a gathering at Kozhikode beach.

In response to allegations, Opposition Leader VD Satheesan contested the legality of Chief Secretary Sharada Muralidharan's directive, stating that neither the government nor officials have the authority to direct local bodies to allocate funds. Satheesan clarified that the Municipal Act of 1960, conferring such power, had been nullified by the Panchayati Raj constitutional amendment.

Denying accusations of threats, Satheesan pointed out that the chairperson holds the authority to allocate municipal funds, citing relevant departmental regulations. He asserted that the secretary is bound by the Municipal Committee's decisions and cannot make payments contrary to council resolutions. Satheesan also criticized the Navakerala Sadas claiming that bringing children to shout slogans against the Chief Minister is inappropriate.