Archive · 8 Jan 2026
Congress Leader Criticizes CPI(M) Over Jamaat-e-Islami Remark
V D Satheesan, the Leader of Opposition in Kerala, criticized CPI(M) leader A K Balan for saying that if the Congress-led UDF wins the upcoming elections, the Home Department would be run by the Jamaat-e-Islami.
Satheesan called Balan's statement dangerous and communal, saying it was similar to tactics used by the Sangh Parivar to scare people and get votes.
He also asked the CPI(M) and its ally CPI to clarify if they support Balan's views, accusing them of trying to create divisions among people for political gain.
Satheesan is confident that secular Kerala will reject such tactics.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami sent a legal notice to Balan demanding Rs 1 crore, alleging that his remarks were defamatory and intended to create communal polarization.
V D Satheesan criticized CPI(M) leader A K Balan for linking UDF to Jamaat-e-Islami.
Satheesan called Balan's statement 'dangerous and communal', comparing it to Sangh Parivar's tactics.
He accused Balan of trying to polarize voters ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections.
Satheesan urged the CPI(M) and CPI to clarify their stance on Balan's remarks.
Jamaat-e-Islami sent a legal notice to Balan demanding Rs 1 crore for defamatory remarks.
- Who
- V D Satheesan (Congress LoP) and A K Balan (CPI(M) leader)
- What
- Satheesan criticized Balan for linking UDF to Jamaat-e-Islami, calling it communal; Jamaat-e-Islami sent a legal notice to Balan
- When
- January 7, 2026
- Where
- Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Why
- Balan's remarks were seen as an attempt to polarize voters ahead of elections
Congress
CPI(M)
Nature of Remarks
Congress
Satheesan called Balan's statement 'dangerous and communal', comparing it to Sangh Parivar's tactics.
CPI(M)
Balan claimed that the home department would be governed by the Jamaat-e-Islami if the Congress-led UDF returned to power.
Political Intent
Congress
Satheesan accused Balan of trying to polarize voters ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections.
CPI(M)
Balan's remarks were seen as an attempt to create communal divisions for political gain.
- Person Involved
- V D Satheesan, A K Balan
- Organization Involved
- Congress, CPI(M), UDF, LDF, Sangh Parivar, Jamaat-e-Islami
- Location
- Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Date
- January 7, 2026
- Context
- Upcoming Assembly elections in Kerala
- Legal Action
- Jamaat-e-Islami sent a legal notice to Balan demanding Rs 1 crore
Sources
LoP Satheesan rebukes CPI(M) Balan over Jamaat-e-Islami remark, calls it ‘communal’
CPM leader AK Balan’s statement akin to Sangh Parivar strategy: Congress leader Satheesan
CPI(M) Leader Receives Legal Notice After Jamaat-e-Islami Remark, Congress Calls It 'Communal'