Kerala Opposition UDF to hold ‘public trials’ against Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF govt

Kerala Opposition UDF to hold ‘public trials’ against Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF govt

The United Democratic Front (UDF), led by the Congress and serving as the main Opposition alliance in Kerala, has announced plans to conduct “public trials” against the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led government (CPI(M)) on various governance issues. VD Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition, revealed that these trials would take place in all assembly constituencies across the state.

Alleging misgovernance on multiple fronts, the UDF aims to highlight and address concerns related to the functioning of the CPI(M)-led government. VD Satheesan emphasized that the public trials would commence from December 2nd, with scheduled meetings planned for each constituency.

The term “public trials” in this context suggests that the UDF intends to bring public attention to what they perceive as failures or shortcomings in the administration of the state government. It is a political strategy to engage with the public, discuss grievances, and garner support for their position against the ruling LDF (Left Democratic Front) government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Such public trials often involve public meetings, discussions, and presentations of evidence or arguments by the opposition to convince the public of the alleged mismanagement or issues faced by the government. This approach is a common feature in democratic systems, where political parties use various means to hold the government accountable and seek public support for their alternative vision or policies.

The Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, VD Satheesan, has accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of behaving like a “king” and neglecting his role as a democratically elected leader. Satheesan asserted that the Chief Minister seems to perceive himself as a monarch rather than a representative in a democratic system. In response to this perceived behavior, the UDF plans to conduct “public trials” against the government.

Satheesan revealed that a charge sheet has been prepared against the government, and individuals who are considered “victims” of the government’s actions will be invited to participate in these public meetings. The intention is to highlight issues where the government’s actions are alleged to have negatively impacted the people.

Among the concerns cited by the Leader of the Opposition are the state’s public finance crisis, outstanding payments in social security pensions, and accusations of excessive spending by the administration despite financial difficulties. These issues will be central to the public trials, where the opposition aims to present its case against the government’s policies and decision-making.

The use of the term “public trials” implies a strategy of public engagement and discourse, where grievances and criticisms are aired in a public forum to garner support and draw attention to perceived problems in the current administration. This approach aligns with the broader democratic process of holding the government accountable and seeking public opinion on governance issues.

The Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, VD Satheesan, has criticized the Kerala Cabinet’s public outreach program, “Nava Kerala Sadas.” According to Satheesan, the administration has faced significant challenges during this program as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and all other ministers have been away from the state capital for 44 days.

Expressing concern over the extended absence of key government officials, Satheesan questioned the impact on the government administration. He alleged that the prolonged absence of the Chief Minister, ministers, and bureaucrats from Thiruvananthapuram, combined with their involvement in various trips as part of “Nava Kerala Sadas,” has led to a disruption in the functioning of the government.

“Nava Kerala Sadas” is an initiative where Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his Cabinet colleagues are on a 44-day tour of the state. The program, which began in Kasaragod district on Kerala’s formation day on November 1, is designed to facilitate direct interactions with the public, engage with opinion leaders across different political spectrums, and enable elected representatives to address issues directly with the Council of Ministers.

Satheesan’s criticism suggests concerns about the logistical and administrative challenges that may arise due to the extended absence of key officials from the state capital. The opposition leader’s remarks underscore the ongoing political debate regarding the effectiveness of such public outreach programs and their impact on day-to-day governance.

In a press statement, VD Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, drew a parallel between an incident involving police action on a Youth Congress worker in Kozhikode and the police brutality against George Floyd in the United States. Satheesan highlighted the similarities between the two cases, emphasizing the use of excessive force and drawing attention to the pleas of the individuals subjected to that force.

The incident in question involved a Youth Congress worker named Joel from Kozhikode, who reportedly protested against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan by waving a black flag. Satheesan asserted that during the protest, Joel conveyed the message, “Sir, I am suffocating, please release me,” echoing the words of George Floyd, who tragically died as a result of excessive police force in the United States. Satheesan further mentioned that the police official involved in the Kozhikode incident was Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) K E Baiju, accusing him of using excessive force.

By drawing this parallel, Satheesan aims to underscore the seriousness of the alleged police excesses and draw attention to what he perceives as an unjust use of force against individuals expressing dissent. The reference to the proximity between Minneapolis (where George Floyd’s incident occurred) and Kozhikode suggests a symbolic connection between two seemingly disparate incidents, emphasizing the universality of concerns related to police brutality and excessive use of force.