Kochi, Jan 19 (AHN) Launching a scathing attack on the ruling CPI(M), Leader of the Opposition (LoP), V.D. Satheesan, on Monday accused the party and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of consciously pushing Kerala towards dangerous communal polarisation, warning that such politics would irreparably damage the state’s secular foundations.

Responding to recent remarks by senior CPI(M) leaders, including Minister Saji Cherian, LoP Satheesan said never before in Kerala’s political history had a constitutionally sworn-in minister made statements asking people to assess the religion and caste of electoral winners.

“This is not just irresponsible, it is cruel and perilous. It drags Kerala to a point where the values on which this state was built will be buried,” he said.

Satheesan alleged that the CPI(M) was now travelling the same road once taken by the Sangh Parivar —manufacturing communal divisions to extract political gain.

“Earlier, the Sangh Parivar perfected this model. Today, the CPI(M) is imitating it, with the Chief Minister providing cover,” he charged, adding that the controversial statements were made with the Chief Minister’s knowledge.

Emphasising that Kerala would outlive individual politicians, Satheesan said, “Pinarayi Vijayan and V.D. Satheesan will one day be forgotten, but Kerala will remain. Setting fire to its secular base is cruelty to future generations.”

Rejecting criticism over his meetings with community leaders, the Opposition leader said there was nothing contradictory between opposing Communalism and engaging with social leaders.

“Votes are not owned by anyone, people decide. Political leaders meet all sections of society. I have never insulted any community or leader,” he said.

Drawing parallels with the Nilambur bypoll, Satheesan recalled how attempts to stoke communal fears had failed decisively, with the UDF securing a victory margin of over 11,000 votes.

He also dismissed repeated attempts by the Chief Minister to invoke Jamaat-e-Islami as a political scarecrow, pointing out earlier instances where the CPI(M) itself had engaged with the organisation.

Declaring that he was prepared to face any personal or political consequences, Satheesan said he would not dilute his stand.

“Even if I fall fighting communalism, it will be a heroic fall,” he asserted, warning that the CPI(M)’s flirtation with divisive politics would mark “the beginning of its end” in Kerala.