Sobha Surendran, the BJP state general secretary and NDA candidate for the Palakkad constituency, has dismissed the UDF’s narrative regarding a ‘secret deal’ between the CPM and the BJP aimed at defeating Congress candidates across the state. She asserted that her only commitment is to the voters.
In an exclusive interview with TNIE, Sobha labeled Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan an opportunist, accusing him of aligning with organizations like Jamaat-e-Islami to seize power. Below are excerpts from the interaction:
The UDF alleges a secret pact between the CPM and BJP to defeat the Congress in several seats, a controversy that reportedly began in Palakkad. What is your take on this?
This is a completely fabricated narrative created by V.D. Satheesan. If you look closely, this controversy was triggered just as Kerala’s political circles began debating Satheesan’s alleged associations with groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and the SDPI—both of which are accused of pursuing a theocratic agenda. He simply wanted to divert the public discourse.
The ‘deal’ controversy is essentially a smokescreen he introduced to avoid answering tough questions about his attempts to capture power by aligning with extremist elements behind the scenes. It is a desperate move to deflect attention from these disturbing allegations.
However, the ‘deal’ debate has gained significant traction…
In reality, it is the UDF that has struck deals with extremist organizations throughout the state. We saw senior Muslim League leader P.K. Kunhalikutty being sidelined in favor of hardliners like K.M. Shaji in key constituencies like Vengara to satisfy these groups. There is a clear and growing understanding between sections of the Congress and Jamaat-e-Islami. Satheesan’s past statements distancing himself from traditional organizations like the NSS and SNDP only reinforce concerns about his proximity to groups like the SDPI. (With input from TNIE)
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