The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday released its third list of 11 candidates for the Kerala Assembly elections on Saturday, even as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing it of acting as the party’s “B-team”.
According to the list, Karamana Jayan has been fielded from Thiruvananthapuram, while Raveendranath Vakathanam will contest from Puthuppally. KR Rajesh has been named from Chavara, R S Arun Raj from Chadayamangalam, and V Ratheesh from Peerumade.
Vivek Gopan will contest from Aruvikkara, TN Suresh from Kovalam, and S Rajasekharan Nair from Neyyattinkara. The party has also fielded Ajimon from Mavelikkara, BS Anoop from Chirayinkeezhu, and Pandalam Prathapan from Adoor.
Vijayan targets Congress, Rahul Gandhi
Amid the intensifying poll battle, CM Vijayan criticised the Indian National Congress and leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that they were effectively aiding the BJP.
Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks regarding central agencies’ actions against opposition leaders, Vijayan said, “Some people don’t learn even if they see or experience something… Rahul Gandhi falls into that category.”
He further claimed that at the national level, the Congress under Rahul Gandhi had “become the actual B-team of the BJP”, though he declined to elaborate.
Also read: Rivals regroup as Assam gears up for April 9 polls
Allegations of political alignment
The Chief Minister alleged that instances of Congress and BJP aligning politically had been witnessed in Kerala in the past and suggested that a similar dynamic could emerge in the current elections.
“The Congress and UDF have become a faction that has no hesitation in allying with the BJP,” he said, adding that both parties oppose the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in a similar manner.
He also accused the Congress of indulging in appeasement politics and seeking the support of groups associated with communal divisions.
Vijayan asserted that the CPI(M)-led LDF stands firmly against all forms of communalism and does not seek support from any such groups.
“One must be able to take a strong stand against it. We will not compromise with any communal force,” he said.
He further drew a distinction between religious organisations and communal forces, stating that while the latter should be opposed, not all religious bodies need to be viewed negatively.
With campaigning gathering pace ahead of the April 9 polls, the political contest in Kerala is witnessing sharper exchanges between rival parties, even as candidate lists continue to be rolled out.
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