Pinarayi avoids debate, draws Congress neta’s criticism

NEW DELHI: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has stepped back from a proposed face-toface debate with LoP V D Satheesan, clarifying his earlier invitation was for a discussion via Facebook, not in person.

Addressing a press conference in the state capital Tuesday, Vijayan said his remarks were misinterpreted and that he had invited Satheesan to engage on social media, particularly on the govt’s performance highlighted in the LDF’s report card.





Soon after, Satheesan renewed his challenge on Facebook, questioning the lack of clarity on time and venue. He said 24 hours had passed since Vijayan indicated willingness for a discussion. Later, speaking at Paravur, Satheesan expressed disappointment, accusing the CM of retreating to social media to avoid accountability for “profound lies” on housing and finances. He cited data to counter Vijayan’s claim that previous UDF govt built only 4,000 houses, saying 4.43 lakh beneficiaries were recorded under Oommen Chandy.

“The CM has gone silent since his ‘mega-lie’ was exposed by his ministers’ replies in the House,” Satheesan said, adding that Kerala is not a totalitarian state like “Stalin’s Russia” where dissent can be silenced by removing social media interviews via police intervention.

Satheesan also demanded Vijayan apologise to the parents of slain SFI functionary Abhimanyu before engaging with SDPI, accusing him of “opportunism” in alliances.
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