Horse trading claims shake Kerala politics as LDF denies Thomas K Thomas' role
Thiruvananthapuram: A controversy has erupted in Kerala following media reports alleging that a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA, aligned with Sharad Pawar, offered Rs 50 crore to two other legislators to join the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Denial from the Ruling LDF
The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala has vehemently denied these reports, stating that a thorough investigation will be conducted into the allegations. Key state ministers, including K Krishnankutty (JD-S), A K Saseendran (NCP), and K B Ganesh Kumar (Kerala Congress B), expressed ignorance regarding such developments, asserting that these actions would not occur within the Left Front.
Demands for Investigation
CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam reacted strongly, stating, “If there is any truth behind the allegations, then those engaged in such activities have no right to be part of the LDF,” demanding a proper investigation into the matter. His comments came after reports indicated that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had refused to allow NCP (Sharad Pawar) MLA Thomas K Thomas to join the Cabinet due to allegations that he attempted to bribe two LDF MLAs.
Allegations and Denials
The two Left MLAs, Antony Raju (Janadhipathya Kerala Congress) and Kovoor Kunjumon (RSP-Leninist), were reportedly invited to join the NCP (Ajit Pawar). However, Thomas denied making any such offers, stating, “I did not do anything. Even Kunjumon has said nothing like this has happened.” He further suggested that Raju might be behind the accusations against him.
Support from NCP Leaders
Senior NCP leader and State Forest Minister Saseendran expressed scepticism about the allegations, noting that it was difficult to believe them at first glance. Kunjumon added that Chief Minister Vijayan had inquired about the allegations and confirmed that no such discussions occurred.
Call for Transparency
In a separate development, Dr B S Shiju, chairman of the Kerala unit of the All India Congress Committee's research division, has petitioned President Droupadi Murmu, seeking her direction for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to investigate the matter. In his petition, he stated, “A transparent investigation will not only clarify the facts but also safeguard the principles of democracy and accountability that our nation holds dear.”
Internal Divisions in the NCP
The allegations coincided with Thomas K Thomas's attempts to secure a Cabinet position in the Pinarayi Vijayan government, which has led to divisions within the NCP (Sharad Pawar) unit in Kerala, with many members supporting Saseendran's continued role in the government. PTI