Kerala assembly elections: SDPI row escalates, CPM rejects Cong allegation

Kozhikode: The political row over alleged links between CPM and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) intensified on Sunday as Congress stepped up its attack, citing constituencies such as Vengara and Mankada. Congress leaders alleged that chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had personally intervened to forge an understanding with SDPI.Rejecting the allegation in Kasaragod, CPM general secretary M A Baby dismissed the charges as a ‘Kanugolu capsule', referring to election strategist Sunil Kanugolu, who is advising Congress' poll strategy. He accused Congress-led UDF of outsourcing its campaign narrative and attempting to create confusion among voters. Addressing the media in Malappuram, the chief minister also refuted UDF's charges and asserted that LDF has consistently maintained an uncompromising stand against all forms of communalism, though he did not directly clarify whether LDF would publicly reject any support extended by SDPI.On Sunday morning, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala reiterated that there is an ‘open understanding' between CPM and SDPI in Kerala and again alleged that Vijayan had direct involvement in the matter.Earlier, while addressing the media, Baby said that Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge had raised allegations linking CPM and BJP. "CPM and LDF did not hold such talks with the party (SDPI) or accept its support. We all know it is impossible to track voters to polling booths and determine whom they voted for," said Baby, adding that SDPI was a ‘product of RSS'. He urged the organization to reconsider its stance.He further clarified that if SDPI chose to take a position based on its own assessment, it is for the party to declare it. "If we needed their votes, we would have held talks. There is no question of engaging politically with organizations based on communal ideology," he said.Baby added that if that party took a decision based on its previous experience, then it is up to them to declare what they will do.Vijayan said UDF is banking on lies and not facts. He added that CPM's stand towards all communal forces is the same, be it majority communalism or minority communalism.When asked about SDPI's support, he said such questions must be put before SDPI. "You should go and ask them about what you hear. Asking me won't lead to any understanding. We have no connection with any form of communalism," he added.