Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] of fielding candidates with links to the drug mafia, sex offences, and major criminal conspiracies in the local body elections. He warned that such choices send a dangerous message ahead of the polls. Speaking to the media at a Kasaragod Press Club meet-the-press event on Sunday, Satheesan said the CPI(M) was protecting leaders convicted or facing serious accusations, including those involved in the Sabarimala gold theft case. He said, "Two former presidents of the Travancore Devaswom Board have been jailed in connection with the gold theft case. Yet the CPI(M) protects them." He named accused individuals like P.P. Sureshan Pattu (Ariyil Shukoor murder case), Karayi Chandrasekharan (Fazal murder case), V.K. Nishad (sentenced to 20 years for attacking policemen), Shanavas (drug trafficking allegations), and Pradeepan (allegedly misbehaved with a girl). He also noted former ACP Rathnakumar, who investigated a related case, as a candidate. Satheesan said, "The CPI(M) is protecting criminals and sending a wrong political message." He criticized the Left Democratic Front government's failure in Kasaragod, despite promising a ₹300 crore development package in 2022, with only ₹28 crore spent so far. "Not even 10% was used to address the district’s backwardness. There was no meaningful effort from the government," he said. On Endosulfan victims, Satheesan said the government delayed adding many sufferers to the official list, reducing the number arbitrarily from 1,905 identified in 2017. Despite protests and promises, including a July 2024 announcement to add 1,031 victims, no progress had been made. "The government has failed the most affected people," he said. The Opposition leader accused the CPI(M) of using "fascist" tactics this election, including blocking opposition candidates from filing nominations in key panchayats. He also lamented that the party is now facing rebellion after once being free of rebels. Regarding Rahul Mamkootathil MLA controversy, Satheesan said the party acted swiftly. He denied Congress's involvement in cyber attacks on women journalists and said the CPI(M) had the worst record in Kerala for online abuse. He criticized the BJP for failing to contest credibly in Kerala, especially Kasaragod, yet said the CPI(M) government is subservient to the BJP at the Centre, citing schemes like PM-Shri and labour code decisions. Satheesan warned many voters were excluded from the Special Intensive Revision list and alleged names were removed without proper checks. He said the revision process should extend beyond elections and questioned CPI(M) members contesting without party symbols to attract BJP support. "Even well-known leaders are contesting without the symbol," he said. He added the UDF released a manifesto promising stronger decentralisation, better living standards, and regional focus. He expressed confidence of a strong poll performance.