Kochi (Kerala): The Twenty20 party has released an audio recording featuring Akhil Marar, in which he is heard demanding either financial backing or official positions as a prerequisite to remain within a political party.

The audio clip allegedly captures Marar bargaining for board or corporation posts. In the recording, Marar contends that if he is to stay in politics, conditions enabling him to earn a living must be arranged, specifically requesting appointments to board positions. This major development comes amid escalating allegations and counter-allegations between Twenty20 and Akhil Marar.

In the audio, Marar explicitly states that financial ‘accommodation’ is essential. He argues that staying with Twenty20 does not yield the respect or valuation one receives in national parties like the Congress or the BJP, which makes it necessary to explicitly demand posts instead. He adds that his political involvement has resulted in more losses than gains. The conversation also touches upon making interventions to secure him a position on at least the central boards of the BJP. Furthermore, Marar admits in the recording that he joined Twenty20 with the intention of securing the Kottarakkara assembly seat.

Marar had previously parted ways with Twenty20, alleging that he was betrayed and that party chief Sabu M Jacob failed to treat him fairly. He had earlier accused political opponents of betrayal, claiming that although the BJP was initially prepared to offer him the Tripunithura seat, he was instead redirected to Thrikkakara without proper consideration. He also raised complaints that his numerous messages went unanswered.

Twenty20 has maintained that, as a political party, it cannot succumb to such bargaining tactics demanded by Akhil Marar. Party spokespersons stated that accepting Marar's demands would be unfair to long-standing workers who deserve such positions. Twenty20 released the evidence to underline its stance against compromising with “bargaining politics” put forward by Marar.