Alappuzham

K. C. Venugopal on Tuesday alleged a “clear and unholy nexus” between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Kerala, claiming the two parties have a tacit understanding in multiple constituencies.

Addressing reporters, the Congress general secretary said the charge was not without basis and could be inferred from a close look at the candidate lists released by both parties. According to him, patterns in seat selection point to a degree of coordination and mutual advantage in certain segments.

He also targeted Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging that he has remained silent on key issues involving the Centre and suggesting that pressure from central agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate, may be a factor.

Venugopal further claimed that the CPI(M), apprehensive about losing political ground in the state, has entered into what he described as an “unethical political arrangement” with the BJP. He argued that in several instances, the Left party’s moves appear to indirectly benefit the BJP, even in constituencies where the latter traditionally has a stronger presence.

The Congress leader added that such alleged coordination has effectively misled party workers on both sides.

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Kerala is set to vote in a single phase on April 9 for its 140-member Assembly, with counting scheduled for May 4. The main contest is expected between the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), while the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is also aiming to expand its presence in the state.