Wayanad: Hours after PV Anvar publicly apologised to VD Satheesan, the Opposition leader accepted the former Nilambur MLA's apology but not without a dig at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Satheesan argued that when Anvar raised corruption allegations against him, his response in the Assembly was directed at the CM.

"Such allegations could not have been made without the Chief Minister's knowledge. If an MLA from the Opposition had come up with such an allegation, I would have simply dismissed it. No Opposition MLA can make such a claim without the LOP's awareness," he said.

“They alleged that I took Rs 150 crore to sabotage the K-Rail project. The claim was that K-Rail would lead to companies relocating to Kerala, shutting down Bengaluru firms, and I was paid Rs 150 crore to prevent this. I asked in the Assembly whether I should laugh or cry upon hearing this. Everyone in the Assembly laughed at the baseless allegation. The Chief Minister deployed Anvar to level this degrading accusation against me. Eventually, even a vigilance probe dismissed the claims," Satheesan said.

"Those who lacked the courage to act against the Chief Minister used Anvar as their tool. Behind him were top CPM leaders, including ministers. However, when Pinarayi applied pressure, all of them disappeared," Satheesan alleged. "Anvar’s statements only reinforce the accusations made by the Opposition. A covert team operates centred on the Chief Minister’s office," he added.

Satheesan clarified that, as Opposition Leader, he has no stance on Anvar’s entry into the UDF. "No doors have been closed or opened for Anvar. The Congress and UDF will make an appropriate decision at the right time. The UDF will decide its candidate for Nilambur, and we are confident of winning with a large majority," he said.

Satheesan also addressed the controversy surrounding the suicide note related to N M Vijayan’s death. "I read the note and consulted district Congress leaders to clarify certain points. The remarks made by Vijayan’s son against me were provoked by journalists. The family never claimed they were threatened, but some others present there did make such comments," Satheesan said.

On possible action against IC Balakrishnan and ND Appachan, Satheesan stated, "The party will deliberate and decide after hearing their explanations."
Satheesan denied claims that the investigation into Vijayan’s suicide was politically motivated. "Let the inquiry proceed properly. However, CPM state secretary MV Govindan, who promised to take responsibility for Vijayan's family, should first help those affected in the Brahmagiri scam. Victims are on the verge of suicide, having lost Rs 400 crore due to CPM leaders. Let them first resolve the liabilities of the party members who invested," he added.