Wreath threat at M.N. Vijayan’s son’s house shows CPI(M)’s intolerance, alleges V.D. Satheesan

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Thursday accused the CPI(M) of displaying “violent intolerance” by placing a wreath at the residence of the son of the late Communist leader and scholar M.N. Vijayan, describing it as a threat intended to silence criticism.

Speaking here during the Puthuyuga Yatra, Mr. Satheesan said the act reflected a dangerous political culture in which dissent against the party and the government is met with intimidation. The incident at the residence of V.S. Anil Kumar, who had received a book by Payyannur-based CPI(M) rebel leader V. Kunhikrishnan, clearly exposed what he termed the CPI(M)’s culture of violence.

“It is a threat suggesting that critics will be killed. The party leading the ruling front in the State has stooped to such a disgraceful act,” he alleged.

Drawing a parallel between the BJP and the CPI(M), he claimed there was little difference between the two in their approach to intolerance. “The message being conveyed is that anyone who criticises the party or the government will be eliminated. Even the son of M.N. Vijayan was threatened. Many fellow travellers of the Left are now disillusioned,” he said.

The Opposition leader further alleged that a significant section of Left sympathisers had begun supporting the United Democratic Front, having recognised what he described as the “extreme right tendencies” within the CPI(M). He demanded action against those responsible for issuing threats and said that the ordeal faced by M.N. Vijayan earlier was now being repeated in the case of his son.

Mr. Satheesan levelled serious allegations regarding the party’s handling of “martyr” narratives, claiming that the CPI(M) derives political benefit from such incidents. “Instead of taking action against those who misused martyr funds, steps were taken against those who exposed the misuse. Even families of party martyrs are now disillusioned, and some have joined the Congress,” he alleged, adding that while collections are initiated immediately, only a small portion of the funds reaches the families.

On electoral matters, he said the decision on whether MPs would contest would be taken by the All India Congress Committee after consultations among coalition partners. He added that there was nothing wrong in those opposing CPI(M) policies joining the Congress.

Referring to the upcoming second part of the film The Kerala Story, he warned that any attempt to defame Kerala or disturb its social fabric would be strongly opposed.

In a lighter vein, Mr. Satheesan remarked that the CPI(M)’s cyber teams were inadvertently promoting him by circulating reels and graphic cards featuring his photographs, sometimes digitally altered using AI. He added that he did not wish for them to face harassment.

The Puthuyuga Yatra received receptions at various locations, including Puthukkad, Irinjalakuda, Thriprayar, Moonnupeedika, Mala and Chalakudy.