Satheesan flags CPM double standards, recalls parody on Karunakaran using same devotional tune

Amid a growing controversy over the viral parody song ‘Pottiye kettiye’, Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan hit back at the CPM, accusing the party of hypocrisy over the use of devotional tunes for political satire.

“Is this the first time a parody song has been made in Kerala?” Satheesan asked. He recalled that the CPM itself had released a parody song using the same devotional tune years ago, targeting former chief minister K Karunakaran, and that the party’s own channel had aired it. “When a parody was made against a good chief minister and devotee like Karunakaran, there was no objection. Then why is it wrong to compose a song about those who looted Sabarimala,” he asked.

He also questioned the credibility of Pathanamthitta district secretary and five-time MLA Raju Abraham for raising objections to the song. “Raju Abraham said that religious sentiments were hurt by the parody. But who is he befriending? He is a friend of Padmakumar, who is in jail now,” Satheesan said.

“They are not worried about those who are roaming free after stealing gold from Ayyappa. They are only worried about a parody of the accused. The CPM state secretary MV Govindan fears that if they are arrested, they may reveal some unpleasant truths,” Satheesan alleged.

The parody song Pottiye kettiye, which went viral during Kerala’s recent local body elections, triggered controversy after a complaint alleged that it distorted a devotional song and hurt religious sentiments. The complaint was filed with State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar by Prasanth Kuzhikala, general secretary of the Thiruvabharanapatha Samrakshana Samithi. CPM leaders Raju Abraham and A A Rahim have also criticised the song.

The parody refers to the alleged gold theft at the Sabarimala temple, claiming that Unnikrishnan Potty, currently in judicial custody, was brought to the shrine to turn gold into copper. The lyrics also allege that gold and money belonging to the deity were stolen by “comrades”.

The alleged gold theft is being probed by a special investigation team appointed by the Kerala High Court. Two senior CPM leaders -- former Devaswom Board presidents A Padmakumar and N Vasu -- remain in judicial custody in the Sabarimala gold case, with the party yet to take disciplinary action.

Referring to the recent explosion in Pinarayi, Satheesan also accused the chief minister of attempting to downplay the incident. “The chief minister is asking the police to camouflage a bomb as a cracker. He should take action against criminals who manufacture bombs to harm opponents in his own town. Tell them to lower their weapons,” he said.