Thiruvananthapuram: The ongoing political tussle between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has escalated, with the Chief Minister reportedly backing away from a public debate after being challenged by the Opposition leader.
The controversy began when CM Vijayan opened a new front by raising 13 specific questions to Satheesan concerning major development initiatives, including the Life Mission, K-Rail, and KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board). Political observers suggest this move was intended to shift focus away from other contentious issues, such as Sabarimala Gold Theft.
In response, V.D. Satheesan not only provided point-by-point answers to all 13 questions but also issued a firm counter-challenge, inviting the Chief Minister to a public debate on the same issues.
The Chief Minister has effectively dodged the invitation. Instead of accepting the challenge, Vijayan merely reiterated his original questions, claiming that Satheesan’s replies were “unclear.”
Political whispers suggest that the CM’s refusal may be influenced by the previous experience of former Finance Minister Dr. Thomas Isaac, who was allegedly left embarrassed after engaging in a public debate with Satheesan on the lottery issue. The prevailing sentiment is that the Chief Minister is now attempting to sidestep the confrontation by repeating old queries rather than engaging in a direct, televised public exchange.
