Kochi, Jan 17 : Kerala's Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, on Saturday, criticised the CPI(M)-led state government, accusing it of diversionary tactics to dilute the Sabarimala gold heist case, spreading "blatant falsehoods" on Wayanad disaster relief, and misusing public funds for partisan political activity ahead of the forthcoming state Assembly elections.

Speaking to the media in Kochi, Satheesan asserted that the UDF's base would expand significantly before the upcoming Assembly polls and dismissed speculation about new political parties joining the Congress-led Front.

"We have not said that any particular political party, including the Kerala Congress factions, will join the UDF. If and when any party joins, we will inform the media," he said.

Commenting on the Sabarimala gold heist, Satheesan alleged that the CPI-M and the state government were deliberately attempting to shift the focus of the investigation in the matter.

"The probe is into the gold looting that took place from 2019 and the attempt to loot again in 2025. Prominent CPI-M leaders are currently in jail in connection with this case. Instead of taking action against them, the CPI-M and the state government are shielding the accused," he charged.

Referring to attempts to rake up past political issues, including the tenure of the late Prayar Gopalakrishnan, Satheesan said such moves were meant only to weaken the gravity of a case that had "shocked Kerala" and involved the looting of "Lord Ayyappa's gold".

He added that the UDF had no objection to investigations into any period, including High Court-monitored probes, but warned against "mixing water into the gold heist".

Reacting on the Wayanad disaster relief, Satheesan accused the Kerala government of withholding rent and medical assistance to several victims, despite Rs 742 crore contributed by the people of the state lying in the treasury.

He refuted CPI-M's claims that the UDF had opposed contributions to the Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund, saying that UDF MLAs, including himself, had donated nearly Rs 19 lakh.

He also rejected allegations of misappropriation of funds for house construction, saying the money remained in a joint account held by him and the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President Sunny Joseph.

Satheesan also accused the CPI-M of issuing circulars asking its party workers to avoid arguments during house visits because it feared public backlash, and warned of legal action if the government funds were used for electioneering.

He also criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's remarks on secularism, alleging that the CPI-M was following the Sangh Parivar's strategy of exploiting communal tensions for political gain while preaching secular values.

/IANS