Congress office attack in Kerala: ‘This is fascism and CM Pinarayi Vijayan is answerable,’ says Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan

Kerala’s Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan (file)
| Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT

Kerala’s Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Wednesday (December 11, 2024) condemned the recent attack on the Congress office at Venduttayi in Pinarayi, Kannur, calling it an “unfortunate incident” that occurred in the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s home village.

Speaking to the media after visiting the damaged office, Mr. Satheesan criticised the violent act, which included smashing the office’s window glasses, CCTV system and setting the door on fire using petrol. The attack took place on the day the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president K. Sudhakaran was scheduled to inaugurate the office.

“This is fascism. Preventing other parties from functioning in Chief Minister Pianarayi Vijayan’s village is insolence and fascist attitude cannot be allowed. The Chief Minister must take responsibility for this attack,” said Mr. Satheesan.

Seeks action against perpetrators

He demanded swift action against the perpetrators, alleging that those responsible are affiliated with the CPI(M).

“Everyone knows the attackers’ association, though the CPI(M) will likely deny any links, as they have done in cases such (T.P.) Chandrasekharan’s murder and other attacks,” he added.

Mr. Satheesan also pointed out that such incidents are not confined to Kannur but are happening across Kerala. Referring to a recent incident, he alleged that Kerala Students Union (KSU) members were brutally beaten in Thottada ITI for starting a KSU unit.

“We will unite those who believe in democracy to resist such fascist forces,” he said.

On M.K. Raghavan row

Addressing Congress workers’ protests against MP M.K. Raghavan over alleged appointment to appoint a relative of a CPI(M) member, Mr. Satheesan described it as a “local issue” that the party would resolve internally. He stated that both Mr. Raghavan and protesting workers have discussed the matter with party leaders, and it would be settled after consultations with the KPCC.

Mr. Satheesan dismissed media reports suggesting leadership changes within the Congress party, saying that no such discussions have taken place.

“The recent election results reflect the party’s strength and growing support among people. We are a democratic organisation where everyone has the space to voice their opinions,” he said, adding that internal matters need not be debated in public.