Thiruvananthapuram, March 27: The political atmosphere in Kerala is heating up ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, following allegations of a secret deal between the BJP and CPI(M). This controversy has sparked a verbal clash between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Opposition Leader VD Satheesan.
In response to the ongoing dispute, CM Vijayan categorically dismissed the accusations on Friday. He stated that the CPI(M) does not engage in “petty political tricks” for a few seats or votes.
“The people are watching everything and will respond accordingly. Politics is not just about mathematics,” he remarked, effectively denying any possibility of an agreement between the BJP and CPI(M).
Vijayan countered by accusing the Congress of collaborating with the BJP and right-wing forces. He referenced areas like Vadakara and Beypore, where attempts were made to consolidate anti-left votes, but the public rejected these efforts, resulting in victories for left parties.
The Chief Minister also labeled the allegations from the 1977 elections related to the RSS as “baseless and distorted.” He emphasized that those familiar with the political climate in Kannur at that time were aware that they themselves were targets of the RSS.
“Decades later, it is now accepted that any lie can be presented as truth. The Congress is engaging in such propaganda,” he added.
Vijayan cited historical examples, noting that the Congress had sometimes indirectly collaborated with RSS-backed forces in attempts to defeat EMS Namboodiripad and during campaigns linked to Deendayal Upadhyaya. He reiterated that leftist parties have consistently stood firmly against communalism.
Additionally, CM Vijayan criticized statements made by BJP leaders regarding religious representation in areas like Guruvayur. He described this as an attempt to create communal divisions in Kerala’s politics.
“Kerala is a state where people live without caste and religious discrimination, and it stands as a stronghold of secularism in the country,” he stated.
Despite these responses, the allegations of a “deal” are rapidly gaining traction in the electoral landscape. Political analysts believe this issue is being raised particularly to influence Muslim voters, who make up over 25 percent of the state’s population and played a crucial role in the left’s victory in 2021.
For the CPI(M), which is striving to maintain its hold on power, this assembly election is of significant importance.
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