Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 21 (NationPress) From Kalluvathukal to Sabarimala, veteran CPI-M legislator Kadakampally Surendran finds himself under the spotlight once more. The former Devaswom Minister provided details on his connection with Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the Sabarimala gold heist case, during a media interaction on Wednesday.

Surendran clarified that his visit to Potti's residence in 2017 was solely for a child's ceremonial function, rejecting any claims of an improper relationship.

He emphasized that his connection with Potti was merely that of fellow devotees of Lord Ayyappa and stated that he had previously informed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) about the nature of their acquaintance, both during his ministerial tenure and in a personal capacity.

Surendran mentioned that this visit was made with police accompaniment and under compulsion, firmly denying any acceptance of gifts or financial contributions from Potti.

"I did not receive any contribution from him, nor did he offer one," he asserted, adding that the SIT had not formally presented him with any declarations made by Potti.

However, he refrained from addressing inquiries about an alleged meeting in Bengaluru or photographs purportedly depicting him alongside the accused.

In his statement to the SIT, Potti claimed to have known Surendran since 2017, alleging that the CPI(M) leader had visited his home—a claim that has drawn significant political scrutiny amid the expanding investigation.

At 71, Surendran has been a prominent figure in state politics since 1977, beginning as a local panchayat member.

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

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

During the initial term of the Pinarayi Vijayan government, Surendran held the significant Devaswom and Tourism portfolios.

Nevertheless, his career has faced earlier challenges. His name appeared in a diary allegedly kept by Manichan, the primary accused in the 2000 Kalluvathukal hooch tragedy, which resulted in 31 fatalities, marking a turbulent period for both him and his party.

Despite the initial political backlash, Surendran ultimately emerged unscathed.

As the investigation into the Sabarimala gold heist intensifies, Surendran's explanations—and his past—are once again under close examination, emphasizing how unresolved issues from Kalluvathukal continue to resonate in Kerala’s current political landscape.

Interestingly, both the Congress and the BJP have been vocally criticizing Surendran since the onset of the Sabarimala gold heist case, leading him to file a defamation suit against Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, which is currently pending in court.