Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 22 (NationPress) A fierce political dispute has ignited between Kerala Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar and Congress MLA Chandy Oommen, with their fathers' legacies and the state's prominent political figures—the late R. Balakrishna Pillai and former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy—taking center stage. This dramatic escalation occurs amidst ongoing discussions about the solar case and just before significant elections.

Ganesh Kumar led the charge on Thursday with serious accusations against the late Oommen Chandy, alleging betrayal of personal trust and interference in his family matters.

He claimed that Oommen Chandy, under the pretense of mediation, attempted to create a rift within his family and alienate his children from him.

After being ousted from the Cabinet, he stated he was promised reinstatement once issues were resolved but felt subsequently “betrayed.”

Describing this as a significant personal betrayal, Ganesh Kumar mentioned that he provided a statement to the CBI in the solar case that effectively aided in exonerating Oommen Chandy, yet this contribution was overlooked.

In response to Chandy Oommen’s claim that he had incited Saritha, the main accused in the solar case, to speak negatively about Oommen Chandy, the Minister referenced a biblical warning—“Thou shalt not bear false witness”—and advised the MLA against making unfounded allegations.

Ganesh Kumar further cautioned that if he faced additional provocation, he would disclose more information publicly.

Chandy Oommen was the first to express distress over Ganesh Kumar’s comments regarding his late father.

At a UDF reception last week in Pathanapuram, Ganesh Kumar's constituency, Chandy remarked that the bond between his father and Balakrishna Pillai was profound and affectionate.

“My father regarded Ganesh Kumar as a son,” he recalled, noting that he often referred to Ganesh Kumar’s mother as 'aunty.'

He expressed disbelief that Ganesh Kumar would turn against his family in such a manner.

Chandy Oommen questioned the transformation of a controversial 18-page letter into a 24-page document, alleging that his father's name was added later.

He emphasized that the issue remains under judicial examination.

He also accused the CPI-M of orchestrating this controversy to undermine Oommen Chandy’s legacy.

As the conflict escalates, the political confrontation has shifted from policy debates to deeply personal matters, reviving historical controversies and casting a shadow on the legacies of two influential leaders who played pivotal roles in shaping Kerala’s political arena.