Kerala Congress leader BRM Shafeer has come forward with a detailed explanation defending Chief Minister VD Satheesan amid the controversy over his use of the caste surname “Menon” during his oath-taking ceremony. The issue sparked widespread debate across political circles and social media.

VD Satheesan, son of Vadashseri Vilasini Amma and K Damodara Menon, officially recited his name as “Vadashseri Damodara Menon Satheesan” during the swearing-in ceremony, including the caste surname for the first time in any of his previous oath ceremonies. This prompted criticism that a leader who champions Nehruvian socialism should not need to assert caste identity.

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Shafeer responded by sharing old election affidavit documents and certificate records on Facebook, proving that Satheesan’s full legal name has always included “Damodara Menon.” He pointed out that while journalists had called him “Vadashseri Damodaran Satheesan,” his official documents consistently carried the full name. Shafeer also highlighted the double standards of critics, noting that revered leaders like EMS Namboodiripad and CK Nayar also used caste surnames, and that Harkishan Singh Surjeet wore a turban as a religious symbol until his death.