CM Satheesan takes swipe at CPI(M)’s internal issues; Vijayan hits back

Chief Minister VD Satheesan and Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan traded sharp political jibes in the Kerala Assembly on Wednesday, with the CM defending his elevation to the top post and taking a swipe at the CPI(M)’s internal dynamics.

Replying to the three-day debate on the Budget, Satheesan dismissed opposition criticism over his selection as chief minister, saying leadership choices were a normal part of democratic politics. “We are a democratic party, and such things do happen. These are normal occurrences in democratic political parties. There are many capable people in the party-indeed, many who may be more deserving than I am. I happened to be chosen for this position, and that is all,” he said. Turning his attention to the Opposition benches, Satheesan suggested that internal disagreements were not unique to the Congress-led UDF.

“At your party, the CPI(M), is everything always completely peaceful? What all happened after your internal elections? We have seen those developments too,” he said. Responding to the remarks, Vijayan said the CPI(M) had long been accustomed to criticism from political rivals and sections of the media. “Some of you may be smiling now, but remember that our party has faced sustained attacks from sections of the media and political opponents for years. We have dealt with all of that before,” he said.

Satheesan maintained that he was entitled to respond to criticism directed at his party and alliance, noting that LDF members had also made remarks about the Congress leadership.

“If LDF members speak about our party, they should naturally expect a response. That is only fair,” he said.

The chief minister added that responding to comments about the UDF and its leadership was part of his responsibility in the Assembly. “If comments are made about my party or my political front, I will certainly respond. There should be no doubt about that,” Satheesan said.

When the Opposition LDF accused the state Government of failing to criticise the Centre, the chief minister said it was not the UDF’s policy to oppose the Union Government on every issue.

“If the Centre adopts a stand against cooperative federalism, we will certainly oppose it,” he said, adding that the UDF Government’s approach differed from that of the previous Left regime.