VD Satheesan defended his decision to use his caste-related title during his swearing-in ceremony. The Kerala Chief Minister said he only mentioned his father’s name and questioned the criticism surrounding it. This comes a day after Sathisean faced backlash for using the nickname ‘Menon’ during his swearing-in ceremony.
While speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting, Sathisean asked: “Why is it wrong for me to mention my father’s name. Shouldn’t I remember him?”
What is the controversy about
The controversy began after comparisons were made between Sathisean’s previous swearing-in as a legislator in 2021 and his recent presidency. Taking oath as Prime Minister. In 2021, he took oath using a shorter version of his name and identified himself simply as “VD Satheesan”.
During the recent function of the new United Democratic Front (UDF) government, he spoke of his full name as “I, Vadasiri Damodhara Menon Sathisan”.
The Kerala Minister added that the reference was not intended as any political statement. Sathisan also said he mentally acknowledged his mother during that moment, even though her name was not officially included in the oath.
“I remembered my mother too”
“I mentioned my father’s name and I remembered my mother in my mind. There was no room to mention my mother’s name as well. Otherwise, I would have mentioned that too,” the senior Congress leader said.
While some Congress leaders argued that the Prime Minister used only his full legal name in the formal preparation for the swearing-in ceremony, while others within political circles suggested that the title could carry a political message. INC leaders like Jintu John and Anup VR questioned the Prime Minister’s decision.
According to PTI, Congress leaders believe that the decision may have been aimed at reaching out to sections of the Hindu community. And that’s when The Congress-led United Democratic Front has faced criticism from Sangh Parivar and BJP organizations over its treatment of groups such as the Indian Muslim League and Jamaat-e-Islami.
VD Satheesan’s new moves as Kerala CM
Sathisan was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala in a grand ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram. The swearing-in event also witnessed the formation of a 21-member Cabinet, with leaders from Congress, UJP and allied parties taking oath in the presence of national political dignitaries, including the Congress leadership and several chief ministers from other states.
Shortly after taking power, the new government held its first cabinet meeting and approved a set of social welfare decisions focusing on women and the elderly. These are included for free Bus travel for women on KSRTC services from June 15, a $An increase of 3,000 pounds in monthly remuneration for ASHA workers, and the establishment of a dedicated department for elderly care.
The government said two of the measures, free transport for women and elderly care management, were part of its pre-election promises and would be implemented in phases. The Prime Minister also said that Kerala could become the first Indian state to set up a separate department for elderly care.
The Cabinet also decided to hold the new Assembly session later in May to take the constitutional oath and elect the Assembly Speaker, while the governor is scheduled to deliver a political speech on May 29.
The United Democratic Front received a strong mandate in the elections, winning 102 seats out of 140, while the LDF and BJP won 35 and 3 seats respectively. The new government includes ministers from Congress and coalition partners.
(with PTI inputs)
