The CPI(M) intensified its criticism of Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, accusing him of attending a Youth League leader's function in Malappuram instead of leading the state's response to the ongoing rain-related disasters.

Rajya Sabha MP A.A. Rahim and former MLA V.K. Prasanth alleged that the chief minister's participation in a private event at Ponnani was inappropriate at a time when landslides and floods were affecting several districts and claiming lives. They argued that, as head of the State Disaster Management Authority, Satheesan should have been directly overseeing relief and rescue operations rather than attending social engagements.

Rahim contended that the chief minister had failed to prioritise disaster management during a critical period and urged him to suspend all non-essential programmes to focus entirely on coordinating relief efforts. Prasanth also compared Satheesan's approach with that of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, claiming that Vijayan had cancelled public events during previous natural disasters to personally monitor rescue operations.

The criticism came after Satheesan attended multiple programmes in Malappuram on Saturday, the same day Kerala witnessed widespread flooding and landslides.

Responding to the allegations, Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh said the government's immediate priority was to provide assistance to those affected by the heavy rains rather than engage in political disputes. He stated that the chief minister had been continuously monitoring the situation, regularly contacting district officials to assess relief requirements and directing ministers to coordinate rescue efforts on the ground. Vishnunadh added that Satheesan would respond to the controversies after the situation stabilised.

The controversy also follows media reports that Satheesan had recently used a government-hired helicopter to visit his ailing father-in-law in Kochi, triggering fresh criticism from the opposition.