Why CPM shields its netas in Sabari gold scam: Satheesan

Kochi: Opposition leader V D Satheesan on Saturday asked why the chief minister and the CPM state secretary were shielding party leaders involved in the Sabarimala gold heist case.Despite the high court and Supreme Court's stern observations regarding the gravity of the crime, the accused continues to be in the party's district committee. Their release from jail was due to failure to file a timely chargesheet rather than an exoneration, he told reporters at North Paravur."While the CPM takes action even for minor infractions, why are they silent on this? Is the party afraid that the accused will name current and former ministers if provoked…In an election season defined by daily press briefings, the chief minister's continued evasion of the topic is shocking. The public deserves to know what pressure prevents the govt from acting. It is time for the leadership to stop dodging and start answering," Satheesan said.Shifting his focus to the Centre, he condemned the recent Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) amendments, describing them as a tool to harass minority-run charitable organizations. He claimed that the law allows the govt to seize assets over minor delays in licence renewals, calling it a "legislative bulldozer" aimed at crushing minority rights. The opposition leader also reignited the controversy surrounding the chief minister's alleged links with the RSS, citing mediators like Sri M. He challenged the CM to explain why a senior ADGP was sent to meet RSS leaders. "The CM bows his head in the assembly when asked about these secret parleys. They claim to oppose communalism while maintaining a backdoor deal," he said.Regarding the upcoming elections, he dismissed criticisms from Vellappally Natesan and predicted a "2001-style wave" for the UDF, projecting over 100 seats. He also compared the UDF's rehabilitation efforts in Wayanad with the govt's "lethargic" response, claiming the Congress-led initiative provided land and housing in four months while the govt failed to utilize the Rs 642 crore collected in relief funds.