Kerala CM-Designate Satheesan Hits Back At BJP Over IUML, Secularism Debate

Kerala Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan strongly defended ally Indian Union Muslim League and accused the BJP of attempting to divide Kerala through hate campaigns. Satheesan said the IUML played a key role in the UDF’s electoral victory and warned that weakening the party could create space for extremist forces. His remarks came after the BJP claimed he was chosen as Chief Minister due to the influence of the IUML and Jamaat-e-Islami. Satheesan stressed there would be “no compromise” on secular values and harmony in the state. Referring to the Congress-IUML alliance since the era of former Chief Minister K Karunakaran, he vowed to oppose any attempt to divide Kerala on communal lines.