Kerala Elections: Congress Intensifies Allegations of CPI-M-BJP Alliance
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Key Takeaways
Thiruvananthapuram, March 23 (NationPress) The Congress party has intensified its critique of the ruling Left in Kerala, alleging a deepening and covert alliance between the CPI-M and the BJP across various constituencies as the Assembly elections approach.
Opposition leader V. D. Satheesan emphasized the existence of these 'deals' in multiple seats, specifically naming Manjeswaram, Konni, and Ranni where the CPI-M and BJP are said to collaborate.
He stated that these arrangements are reportedly extending to approximately ten constituencies, despite both parties refuting the claims.
Furthering this accusation, Congress General Secretary for Organization, K. C. Venugopal, who is spearheading the party's campaign in Kerala, asserted that the CPI-M under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has fostered a 'covert partnership' with the BJP.
He criticized Vijayan for his reticence towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even as the BJP targets Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on a national scale.
Senior Congress figure Ramesh Chennithala also supported this perspective, indicating that the 'deal' is becoming increasingly apparent on the ground.
He highlighted the constituency represented by state Devaswom Minister V. N. Vasavan, who has faced backlash over Sabarimala temple issues, alleging that the BJP has refrained from fielding a formidable candidate there.
Instead, the seat has effectively been allocated to an NDA ally, which Chennithala claimed, 'speaks volumes' about an underlying agreement between the BJP and CPI-M.
Meanwhile, Satheesan noted that anti-BJP votes in Thrissur Lok Sabha consolidated around V.S. Sunil Kumar, but remarked that CPI-M votes did not completely align with him.
He also connected the Enforcement Directorate's investigation into the Karuvannur bank scandal to what he referred to as a 'deal' concerning the Thrissur seat, which was won by actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi in a surprising upset.
Both the CPI-M and BJP have dismissed the accusations, labeling them as politically motivated.
Nevertheless, the Congress continues to push this narrative, aiming to consolidate minority and anti-BJP votes by portraying the Left as unreliable in opposing the saffron party.
With polling day approaching, the 'deal' allegation has become a pivotal theme in the campaign, escalating the verbal conflict in Kerala’s critical three-way contest.