No Place for Lies: UDF’s Attack on Police Backfires

The systematic attempt by the Congress led United Democratic Front (UDF) and sections of the corporate media to discredit Kerala’s police force has collapsed under the weight of facts. In a significant development, the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday became the stage where truth prevailed over political theatrics.

The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, with confidence in its governance and a commitment to the people, accepted the Opposition’s adjournment motion for discussion. This act alone exposed the hollowness of the Opposition’s campaign. What followed was a fact-based, transparent discussion in which the government dismantled the false allegations point by point.

The Opposition’s intent was not to improve policing, but to distract from serious allegations — including sexual abuse, forced abortion, and threats — against Congress MLA Rahul Mankootathil. Their plan was to provoke a denial of the motion, stage a walkout, and build a narrative of suppression. That plan failed. The government’s openness to discussion left them with no script to follow.

Adjournment motions are rare in the Assembly’s history — taken up only 30 times. Yet, in the current 15th Assembly alone, the LDF government has allowed 14 such discussions, including this one. It reflects a government unafraid of scrutiny — a stark contrast to the secrecy and suppression of the UDF era.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made the government’s position clear: whenever misconduct within the police was identified, immediate and strict action was taken. This is how Kerala Police earned its reputation as one of the most effective and modern investigative agencies in the country.

Since 2016, 144 police personnel involved in criminal activities have been dismissed. The Congress, which now raises questions, could not cite a single such action taken during their own rule. This silence speaks volumes.

The Opposition’s primary example — a 2.5-year-old case involving the alleged assault of a Congress worker — was thoroughly addressed. The officers involved were transferred, their pay increment blocked, and suspensions ordered following an investigation. No leniency was shown, and no one was protected.

The Chief Minister reminded the House that the Congress, from the days of Nehru, has consistently used the police as an instrument of political repression — whether in Sivagiri, Muthanga, or elsewhere. Under LDF governance, the police are being transformed into a people-centric, accountable force.

Kerala Police has received over 10 national awards under the LDF government — for investigative excellence, public service, and institutional development. Over 20 murder cases were solved within hours in the past year alone. These are not claims; they are outcomes of structured reform and political will.

As the Chief Minister rightly pointed out, systemic injustice cannot be erased by uniform alone — but this government does not shield those who violate people’s trust. The Assembly heard a clear message: discipline, accountability, and justice will remain central to the LDF’s governance.

Faced with facts, the Opposition had no reply. Their walkout was not a protest, but an exit from a debate they could not win. The government turned an attempted smear campaign into an opportunity to expose the lies being circulated in the run-up to elections.

The people of Kerala will not be misled. The LDF stands with the people — not with those who manufacture crises for political gain. In the face of propaganda, it is accountability, truth, and progressive governance that will prevail.