V.D. Satheesan, the Chief Minister-designate of Kerala, has firmly denounced communal polarization and vowed to maintain the state's secular identity. Speaking at the Cantonment House, he criticized attempts to label the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) as non-secular, describing these efforts as part of a calculated hate campaign. Satheesan highlighted the IUML's significant role in the United Democratic Front (UDF) since the leadership of K. Karunakaran, asserting that its contributions were crucial for the coalition's electoral success. He warned that undermining the IUML could create a political vacuum that radical communal forces might exploit. Satheesan accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of perpetuating communal propaganda to incite divisions at both state and national levels. He acknowledged that some community organizations may have grievances against him but reiterated his commitment to resisting communalism. Emphasizing Kerala's identity as a secular state, he stated that the UDF would not compromise its values for electoral gains. Satheesan concluded with a strong message that any attempts to disrupt communal harmony would be met with resistance, reinforcing the commitment to a harmonious future for the state's residents.