Kerala Leader of Opposition (LoP) V.D. Satheesan criticized Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accusing him of turning the state into a “gangster state” after alleged clashes between Congress cadre and CPI(M) workers and police. Satheesan condemned the violence, stating that only a person with a “criminal” mind could applaud such activities.
The clashes occurred during Vijayan’s state-wide trip, which the opposition views as an extravagant PR exercise ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Satheesan warned that if protesters are handled in this manner, legislators and parliament members would soon be on the streets waving black flags against Vijayan.
The opposition has also accused Vijayan of using state funds for election campaigning. The Kerala High Court stayed a government order allowing school buses for Vijayan’s trip, while the Chief Minister defended the program’s success despite initial opposition boycotts.