V D Satheeshan Backtracks After Sharp Criticism from NSS and SNDP Leaders

Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition Leader V D Satheeshan retreated from his earlier remarks after facing sharp criticism from SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan and NSS General Secretary G. Sukumaran Nair. Speaking at a press conference, Sukumaran Nair had accused Satheeshan of seeking support from community leaders during elections, including the last one, and now turning around to criticise them.

Responding to questions from the media, Satheeshan said he had never stated that politicians should not approach community leaders. “I have visited Perunna several times. I have gone there along with K C Venugopal and met G Sukumaran Nair. The allegation that my actions doesnot reflect my words is Sukumaran Nair’s opinion,” Satheeshan said.

Earlier, Sukumaran Nair had launched a scathing attack on Satheeshan at a press conference, alleging that after winning elections with full support from the NSS, Satheeshan was now claiming that politicians should not seek help from community organisations. He said Satheeshan had no moral authority to speak against communalism.

Sukumaran Nair further revealed that during the last Assembly elections, Satheeshan had spent over one-and-a-half hours at the NSS headquarters in Perunna seeking support. He said he had personally contacted the Paravur NSS Union president and asked him to help Satheeshan, following which the Union president canvassed votes door to door in Paravur on Satheeshan’s behalf. “After all this, Satheeshan is now making grand statements about not approaching community organisations. There is absolutely no link between his words and actions,” Sukumaran Nair said, adding that Satheeshan had insulted not just the NSS but all community organisations.