AK Balan backs expelled Cong leader P Sarin for Palakkad seat; alleges BJP- Cong collusion

Palakkad: CPM leader AK Balan announced that Dr P Sarin, recently expelled from the Congress party, will be named as the LDF candidate for the Palakkad by-election. 

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Balan stated that the official announcement would come from the party's state secretary. 

He noted that several independent and party candidates are interested in the seat, and discussions will determine the final candidate. 

"There is a procedure for accepting the candidate. The secretariat will discuss it, and then it will be sent to the state committee for review and necessary changes. The committee will then send the proposal back. However, if there is no dissent on the issue, this process may not be required," he said.

Balan emphasized that Sarin's revelations expose allegations that BJP activists voted for the Congress candidate Shafi Parambil during the Lok Sabha election in the Vadakkara seat. He alleged that Congress would return the favour during by-polls in Palakkad.

"Sarin's disclosures are serious. They demonstrate a potential deal between Congress, RSS, and BJP to isolate the LDF, the state government, and Pinarayi Vijayan. His claims will be a key topic in this election," Balan added.