Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 21 (NationPress) From Kalluvathukal to Sabarimala, veteran CPI-M legislator Kadakampally Surendran’s extensive public career is once again under the microscope. On Wednesday, the former Devaswom Minister provided explanations regarding his connection with Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the Sabarimala gold heist case.

During a media interaction, Surendran clarified that he visited Potti's residence in 2017 solely to attend a child's ceremonial event, denying any inappropriate ties.

He emphasized that he recognized Potti merely as a fellow devotee of Lord Ayyappa and confirmed that he had already communicated the nature of their acquaintance to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in both his ministerial role and personal context.

Surendran explained that the visit was conducted under police escort and was compelled, firmly denying any acceptance of gifts or donations from Potti.

"I did not receive any contribution from him, nor did he offer one," he asserted, adding that the SIT has not formally relayed any statement made by Potti to him.

However, Surendran refrained from addressing inquiries about an alleged meeting in Bengaluru or photographs that purportedly show him with the accused.

Potti claimed in his statement to the SIT that he has known Surendran since 2017 and that the CPI(M) leader had visited his home—an assertion that has drawn significant political scrutiny amid the expanding investigation.

A prominent figure in CPI-M from Thiruvananthapuram, the 71-year-old Surendran has been active in public service since 1977, starting his political journey as a local panchayat member.

He subsequently served on the District Council before securing his first Assembly election victory from Kazhakootam in 1996.

After a setback in the 2006 elections, he made a strong comeback with consecutive wins in 2016 and 2021 from the same constituency.

In the first term of the Pinarayi Vijayan government, Surendran held the critical Devaswom and Tourism portfolios.

Nonetheless, his career has faced previous challenges. His name was mentioned in a diary allegedly kept by Manichan, the primary accused in the 2000 Kalluvathukal hooch tragedy, which resulted in 31 fatalities, causing a tumultuous period for both him and the party.

Despite facing political backlash initially, Surendran ultimately emerged unscathed.

As the investigation into the Sabarimala gold heist deepens, Surendran’s explanations—and his past—are once again scrutinized, highlighting how the unresolved issues from Kalluvathukal resonate in Kerala’s current political discussions.

Coincidentally, both the Congress and the BJP have been vigorously targeting Surendran since the emergence of the Sabarimala gold heist case, and he has filed a defamation lawsuit against Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan regarding the same issue, which is currently before the courts.