Thrissur (Kerala), Mar 27: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday dismissed Congress leader V D Satheesan’s allegation that he secured victory in the 1977 election with RSS support, calling the claim “baseless” and politically motivated.
Addressing reporters, Vijayan said historical facts contradict the Opposition’s narrative and questioned who the RSS had actually opposed during that period. He asserted that during the early phase of his political career, he himself was a target of RSS hostility.
The Chief Minister turned the criticism towards the Congress, accusing it of maintaining covert ties with the Sangh Parivar. He cited past instances, including alleged collaboration with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh to defeat Communist stalwart E M S Namboothiripad, claiming that opposition forces had historically aligned for electoral advantage.
Vijayan further alleged that similar strategies were used against leaders like A K Gopalan, where Congress and RSS-backed elements reportedly supported common candidates. He described such actions as “political opportunism,” accusing the Opposition of spreading misinformation.
Referring to what he termed a “Co-Le-B” understanding Congress, Muslim League, and BJP the Chief Minister claimed there were attempts in constituencies like Vadakara and Beypore to indirectly aid BJP’s prospects in previous elections. He said such efforts were rejected by voters, resulting in victories for the Left Democratic Front (LDF).
On recent remarks by BJP leaders regarding representation in Guruvayoor, Vijayan warned against attempts to create communal divisions, stating that Kerala’s social fabric is rooted in secularism and unity. He criticised any narrative that promotes identity-based candidacy, calling it divisive politics.
Highlighting governance, Vijayan said the LDF government has fulfilled the majority of its electoral promises, with only a small fraction pending. He pointed to welfare initiatives such as the LIFE Mission housing scheme, under which over five lakh homes have been completed, as well as rehabilitation efforts following the 2024 Wayanad landslide.
He also accused the Congress of failing to effectively utilise funds collected for disaster relief and reiterated that the LDF remains committed to transparent governance and inclusive development.
Expressing confidence ahead of upcoming elections, Vijayan said the ruling front would return to power based on its performance and public trust.