Kochi

A political row erupted in Kerala after R V Babu, a Sangh Parivar leader, alleged that UDF chairman V D Satheesan had sought support from the RSS during the 2001 and 2006 Assembly elections—claims strongly denied by the Congress leader.

Babu, who heads the pro-RSS outfit Hindu Aikya Vedi, told a television channel that Satheesan had earlier denied attending an RSS event in 2006 but later admitted to it. He claimed the opposition leader would eventually acknowledge seeking RSS backing as well.

He further alleged that after losing the 1996 Assembly polls, Satheesan approached the RSS for support and said he wanted the Congress leader defeated in the current election. Babu also described both the UDF and LDF as “two sides of the same coin.”

Responding to the allegations, Satheesan categorically denied ever seeking support from the RSS or BJP, asserting that Babu’s remarks reflect his anti-Congress stance.

“The fact that he wants me to lose shows there is no deal with the BJP or RSS,” Satheesan said.

The Congress leader also reiterated his charge of an alleged RSS–CPI(M) nexus and countered criticism over UDF’s support from groups like the Welfare Party and Jamaat-e-Islami by questioning the CPI(M)’s ties with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

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Satheesan further accused the CPI(M) of shielding leaders implicated in the Sabarimala gold misappropriation cases and urged the Centre to withdraw proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), warning they could impact NGO-led welfare activities.