Congress raises questions on INDIA bloc partner, says CPI (M)-BJP has ‘clear-cut’ deal

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Congress leader on Friday alleged that INDIA Bloc partner, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) had a “clear-cut deal with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)".

KC Venugopal commented on the reported discussions between LDF convener E.P. Jayarajan and BJP leader Prakash Javadekar, stating, “The two met and held discussion for a long time. It is shocking news. Jayarajan also admitted that Javadekar came and met him. Prakash Javadekar, who is the BJP Kerala in-charge, is saying that it was a personal meeting. How can it be? There is a clear-cut deal between the BJP and CPM."

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief K. Sudhakaran and the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate from the Kannur Lok Sabha constituency made serious allegations against Left Democratic Front (LDF) convener E.P. Jayarajan, asserting that he was on the verge of joining the BJP after a meeting.

Sudhakaran, in a media briefing, claimed that BJP leaders Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Sobha Surendran also attended the meeting, which reportedly took place in the Gulf.

“The discussion was in the Gulf. It is not possible to say now when the discussion took place. All I know is that there was talk of a governorship. Rajeev Chandrasekhar and others have participated in the discussion. EP is upset with MV Govindan becoming secretary. He was disappointed when he did not get the post of state secretary," the Congress leader said.

Sudhakaran further claimed that after meeting with NDA leaders, CPI(M) leader E.P. Jayarajan was threatened by his party, which forced him to stay with the CPI(M) and not switch sides.

KC Venugopal cast his vote. He is contesting against AM Ariff of the CPI(M) and BJP's Shobha Surendran. Speaking to reporters,