Thiruvananthapuram, July 29, 2026: In a significant political development, Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan confirmed on Wednesday that he has received a formal request from the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Pinarayi Vijayan, regarding the withdrawal of legal cases against protesters. These cases were registered across the state against individuals who demonstrated in solidarity with the student protests held at Jantar Mantar. Addressing the media, the Chief Minister stated that the plea has been officially forwarded to the Home Department, which is now expected to assess the request and determine the appropriate course of action.
The political atmosphere remains charged as the Chief Minister simultaneously leveled serious allegations against the LoP, particularly concerning the government’s stance on the Waqf Board. CM Satheesan refuted claims that the current administration is in favor of appointing non-Muslim members to the Board, labeling the allegations as misinformation. He countered that the previous administration, led by Pinarayi Vijayan, had actually signaled a willingness to include non-Muslim members during legal proceedings at the Supreme Court. The Chief Minister asserted that the current administrative challenges stem from the previous government’s delay in reconstituting the Board after its term expired.
Beyond these political disputes, the Chief Minister announced a transformative five-point plan aimed at modernizing governance and mitigating the financial impact of project delays, which have historically burdened the state exchequer. The new administrative framework includes the launch of a Special Asset Management Platform, an upgraded “PlanSpace 2.0” system, and a comprehensive registry of state institutions. Furthermore, the government intends to conduct a rigorous review of obsolete or contradictory laws to foster a more business-friendly climate and improve the overall ease of living for Kerala’s citizens.
The interaction also touched upon the implementation of the contentious Labour Code. Defending its necessity, the Chief Minister argued that while opposition to certain specific provisions is understandable, the law must be adopted to maintain a functional regulatory framework, noting that many other states have already integrated these codes. He signaled his readiness to engage in structured dialogues with trade unions to address legitimate concerns, emphasizing that ignoring the reform entirely would result in a legal vacuum that could harm the labor sector in the long run.
Addressing recent scrutiny regarding his administration’s handling of official misconduct, CM Satheesan defended the timeline of the suspension of ADGP MR Ajith Kumar. He dismissed accusations that the government had deliberately shielded the officer, explaining that the administration operated based on verified reports and institutional procedures. According to the Chief Minister, the government acted with caution and thoroughness rather than haste, ensuring that the suspension was carried out as soon as the findings mandated action, thereby refuting claims of negligence or favoritism.
Concluding the briefing, the Chief Minister expressed strong dissatisfaction with the media’s coverage of his public speeches. He specifically took issue with reports labeling him as having made “anti-woman” remarks, challenging journalists to analyze the full context of his statements rather than relying on curated snippets. He criticized the current media discourse as being “low-level” and driven by a microscopic focus on public figures, asserting his willingness to be criticized on policy and governance rather than misinterpreted statements.