Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 12: A political controversy has erupted in Kerala after the CPI(M) alleged that one of three men arrested with drugs in Kasaragod was associated with Chief Minister V D Satheesan's social media team. The Congress has rejected the claim, saying the accused had no official association with the Chief Minister or his office.

PA Abdul Salam, KH Muhammad Hussain and PA Abbas were arrested recently in Kasaragod after police allegedly found 130 grams of MDMA being transported in a car.

The CPI(M) has claimed that Hussain had worked as a social media coordinator associated with Satheesan. His social media profile reportedly describes him as “Team VD Satheesan/Social Media Coordinator”, while posts on his account include a video of Satheesan visiting his residence when he was the Opposition leader.

CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan criticised the Chief Minister over the allegations and demanded an explanation.

“It is shocking that the Chief Minister's social media coordinator has been arrested in a drug trafficking case,” Govindan said.

He alleged that Hussain had administered social media groups associated with Satheesan and was involved in sharing the Congress leader's posters and videos.

“Chief Minister VD Satheesan must answer for his own office allegedly becoming a hub for a drug network,” Govindan said.

Govindan further alleged that the Chief Minister's Office was intervening to have social media posts related to the case removed.

He also claimed that the accused had been associated with events linked to the government's anti-drug campaign, Operation Toofan. Govindan alleged that another accused, Abdul Salam, had accompanied Muslim League leader PK Kunhalikutty to the Kerala Assembly.

“Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala should conduct Operation Toofan within his own party,” Govindan said.

The Congress, however, rejected the allegations and maintained that the accused had no official role in the Chief Minister's office.

State Sports Minister OJ Janeesh said the person seen in photographs circulating on social media and in news reports was neither an office-bearer nor a leader of the Youth Congress, contrary to claims being made.

Janeesh said that if any worker, member or leader of the Youth Congress was found to have any connection with drug trafficking, the person would no longer remain associated with the organisation.

The allegations and counter-allegations have triggered a fresh political confrontation in the state, with the Opposition seeking an explanation from the government while the Congress maintains that there is no official link between the accused and the Chief Minister's office.