Talks to bring Padmaja to LDF were on, but didn’t materialise: TG Nandakumar

Kochi: Dubious middleman TG Nandakumar said that there was a discussion to bring Padmaja Venugopal, former chief minister and Congress leader K Karunakaran’s daughter,  to the LDF. This was reported during the time of Thrikkakara bypoll. Nandakumar told Mathrubhumi News that the discussion was initiated by LDF convener EP Jayarajan. 

Nandakumar drew attention to the fact that during the Thrikkakara bypoll when all the prominent Congress leaders reached the constituency, only Padmaja remained absent. When enquired, it was understood that Padmaja was disappointed with the party. When this was brought to EP Jayarajan’s attention, he made the suggestion of inviting her to the LDF, Nandakumar claimed.

“Padmaja was in Dubai at the time. I spoke with her on the phone. The discussion was about the possibility of offering the women’s commission chairperson post. However, Padmaja did not end up joining the party as she had higher demands,” he added.

Padmaja Venugopal had stated that she had been invited to the LDF. However, she did not drop any names. Padmaja joined the BJP on March 7.