New Delhi, March 29 (NationPress) Padmaja Venugopal, the NDA candidate for the Thrissur Assembly seat in Kerala, has strongly criticized the Congress party, accusing it of internal sabotage, ineffective leadership, and a widening disconnect with the public. In her conversation with IANS, she detailed her departure from Congress, her political path, and her optimism regarding the BJP's growth in Kerala, while also making grave allegations about the Congress party's internal dynamics and leadership turmoil.

Venugopal, who previously served as a Congress leader and is the daughter of the late Chief Minister K. Karunakaran, made the switch to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in March 2024.

Here’s the complete interview:

IANS: What prompted your departure from Congress?

Padmaja Venugopal: The issues within the party are not widely understood. I faced significant challenges there. While I won’t name him, there is an individual responsible for my electoral setbacks. I advised against granting him any position due to the distress it caused me. Initially, they claimed they would appoint me as general secretary, but that never materialized.

As the KPCC vice president, I felt unsupported. I decided it was best to leave. My father endured a similar struggle within Congress for many years, and I did not wish to repeat that experience.

IANS: What are your thoughts on the BJP’s chances in Thrissur?

Padmaja Venugopal: In Thrissur, people hold Prime Minister Narendra Modi in high regard. His current program will surely resonate positively with the populace.

IANS: Why is K.C. Venugopal targeting you? Is it part of a political scheme?

Padmaja Venugopal: He has gathered some followers here, but none are commendable. Each has various connections—imagine the type of followers he attracts.

IANS: There are allegations that tickets are being sold within Congress. What is your perspective?

Padmaja Venugopal: This sentiment is prevalent in Kerala as well, not just in North India.

IANS: Do you believe Rahul Gandhi is influenced by a select group of leaders?

Padmaja Venugopal: What leaders remain in Congress? Most have departed. Senior figures such as Ghulam Nabi Azad and Kapil Sibal are gone. The leadership is scarce; only K.C. Venugopal remains.

IANS: Is Rahul Gandhi capable of leading the party effectively?

Padmaja Venugopal: I doubt his ability to steer the Congress party. This reliance on K.C. Venugopal and Mallikarjun Kharge indicates his limitations. While Kharge is a decent individual, Rahul Gandhi lacks the capability. Sonia Gandhi was competent, but Rahul... not so much.

IANS: Would your father have endorsed PM Narendra Modi’s leadership?

Padmaja Venugopal: I believe he would have, as my father faced numerous challenges himself. Opportunities were often denied to him. Until Rajiv Gandhi’s time, we were satisfied. Sonia Gandhi also managed well, but when Rahul took over… he only listens to his own voice.

IANS: What are the BJP’s ambitions in Kerala?

Padmaja Venugopal: This will undoubtedly impact the LDF because the public is frustrated. The benefits will not favor Congress this time; they will go to the BJP. The BJP is expanding its influence here, and it will establish a solid government soon.

IANS: There are claims that Congress is facilitating an Islamic regime in Kerala. What are your thoughts?

Padmaja Venugopal: This is accurate; they are indeed assisting. If the UDF gains power, such individuals will dominate Kerala.

IANS: Is there factionalism in Kerala Congress regarding the chief minister’s position?

Padmaja Venugopal: There are numerous contenders, and everyone has their own agenda. If they secure the opportunity, K.C. Venugopal will likely come from Delhi. The ongoing infighting raises questions about how they expect to garner votes.