Kerala Chief Minister accuses Opposition UDF of making political opportunity out of Sabarimala

kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan attacked UDF for using Sabarimala for political gain. He accused them of backing out from proposal to meet union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. He also responded to criticism from Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and said situation in Sabarimala was under control.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on December 13 (Wednesday) launched a scathing attack on the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) for its alleged attempts to make “a political opportunity” out of the situation in Sabarimala.

Addressing the media in Kottayam, the Chief Minister termed the protests staged by UDF MPs in New Delhi “unfortunate.”

“The UDF MPS, besides raising the issue in Parliament, staged a public protest. I call it unfortunate as they used Sabarimala to defame the State,” he said.

Mr. Vijayan also accused the UDF MPs of backing out at the last-minute from a proposal by the Kerala Government to meet Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to apprise her of the State’s financial situation. “This happened on two occasions. All of them agreed initially but refused to sign the memorandum to be submitted to the Minister. This has created an impression that Kerala can never stay united politically,” said Mr. Vijayan.

Responding to the criticism raised by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan about the ongoing Navakerala Sadas, the Chief Minister said that it was “up to the Governor to examine whether he was doing the right things.”

“A Governor is supposed to be the Constitutional head of a State. But in his case, he appears to be under pressure and is not confining himself to that position. Let the Governor himself ascertain whether the things he keeps doing are right or wrong,” said Mr. Vijayan.

Regarding the rush at Sabarimala, the Chief Minister said “the situation was completely under control.”