Kerala Assembly polls: Sobha Surendran rejects V.D. Satheesan’s charges of BJP-CPI(M) deal

Sobha Surendran, BJP Kerala State general secretary and NDA candidate in Palakkad, has dismissed Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan’s allegation that the CPI(M) entered into a deal with the BJP by fielding a weak candidate in Palakkad.

Mr. Satheesan had alleged that the candidature of N.M.R. Razak as the Left Democratic Front (LDF)-backed Independent in Palakkad was part of a broader understanding between the BJP and the CPI(M), claiming that the BJP would, in return, support the CPI(M) in 10 constituencies.

Ms. Surendran said here on Saturday that Mr. Satheesan’s remarks were driven by “his party’s fear of an imminent defeat.”

The responsibility for fielding a weak candidate rests with the respective front, she said, adding that Mr. Satheesan’s allegation amounted to “seeking anticipatory bail” ahead of a likely loss.