Palakkad: BJP National Spokesperson Anil Antony has downplayed the significance of party fellow Sandeep Varier's alleged differences with the party leadership in Kerala, stating that it is not a major issue in the upcoming by-elections. Speaking to Mathrubhumi News in Palakkad, Antony clarified that despite challenges, the party remains focused on the election campaign.

Antony described Sandeep Varier, who has been a Sangh Parivar activist since the age of 10, as a person dedicated to nationalism. He acknowledged that there might be some issues but reassured that senior party leaders have been in regular discussions with him.

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Antony also expressed confidence that Varier would be campaigning for the BJP ahead of the election, given that it has been postponed to November 20. He termed the criticism raised by Varier as negligible, stating that other political alliances in the state have their own internal struggles. "The CPM could not even field a candidate, and their nominee, Sarin, was a Congress leader until just three weeks ago," Antony pointed out.

Antony noted that there had been significant protests from senior Congress leaders, including MPs and MLAs, against Rahul Mamkootathil's candidacy. He maintained that internal disagreements within the BJP should not be exaggerated and emphasised that the focus must be on the election campaign itself.

Anil Antony also stressed that the BJP is the world's largest political party and the ruling party at the Centre. He reaffirmed that all decisions regarding candidates are made by the Central Election Committee, including the Prime Minister, and that once decisions are made, all members should adhere to them.

"All party workers in Palakkad must now focus on the election campaign. Whether disciplinary action is required against Varier will be decided by the state leadership," he said, adding that Varier was not the central issue in Palakkad’s elections.

Antony also reflected on the losses suffered in the last election when the CPM and Congress collaborated to defeat BJP candidate E. Sreedharan. He stated that the real losers were the people of Palakkad, and this election now presents an opportunity to change that.

"Now, we have a chance to rectify that loss and bring a positive change for the people of Palakkad," he concluded.