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The political landscape in Kerala is heating up, with accusations and counter-accusations flying thick and fast as the state gears up for the upcoming elections. In the latest salvo, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has launched a scathing attack on the Chief Minister's office, alleging a politically motivated intervention in the bail granted to former Kannur district panchayat president P.P. Divya. Divya is a key figure in the ongoing investigation into the death of ADM K. Naveen Babu, a case that has garnered considerable public attention.
Satheesan has alleged that a caucus within the Chief Minister's office orchestrated Divya's release on bail. He points to the Kannur Collector's alleged change of statement after meeting with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as evidence of this influence. Further, he accuses the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] of manipulating the case to exonerate Divya and discredit Naveen's family by branding him as corrupt. This, Satheesan claims, was done to deflect attention from the party's alleged involvement in the case and to justify Divya's release.
The Opposition leader has also taken aim at the Collector's conduct during the proceedings, questioning his decision to smile while Divya made serious allegations against the deceased ADM. Satheesan demands an explanation from the Revenue department regarding the Collector's actions, implying that his behavior suggests a level of complicity or bias in the case. This accusation further fuels the fire of suspicion surrounding the circumstances of Divya's bail.
Beyond the immediate case, Satheesan expands his accusations to highlight a larger pattern of the Pinarayi government allegedly shielding BJP leaders from corruption probes. He cites the Kodakara money laundering case and the Manjeswaram scam as examples, accusing the government of overlooking these investigations while simultaneously attacking opposition leaders. He specifically points to the Chief Minister's silence on the ₹41 crore hawala scam allegedly involving BJP leader K. Surendran, while choosing instead to target Rahul Gandhi during election campaigns in Wayanad. This, Satheesan argues, exemplifies the government's double standards and highlights the alleged unholy alliance between the BJP and the CPI(M).
The Opposition leader concludes by emphasizing the rising public discontent with both the BJP's communal agenda and the Pinarayi government's perceived mismanagement. He asserts that this discontent is a key factor in the United Democratic Front's (UDF) election campaign. The alleged nexus between the BJP and the CPI(M) has become a significant issue in the elections, with the UDF using this as a rallying point to mobilize voters.
This exchange of accusations underscores the highly charged political environment in Kerala, where allegations of corruption, political maneuvering, and double standards are shaping the narrative of the upcoming elections. The case of P.P. Divya's bail has become a flashpoint, with both the ruling party and the opposition using it to highlight their respective agendas and mobilize public sentiment. The outcome of these elections will depend largely on how the electorate perceives these allegations and the performance of the incumbent government.
Source: Caucus in CM’s office facilitated Divya’s bail: V.D. Satheesan