Leader KC Venugopal allege secret CPI(M)–BJP nexus in Kerala polls
In a sharp escalation of political rhetoric ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, senior Congress leader KC Venugopal on Sunday launched a direct attack on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging a covert understanding between the ruling Left and the BJP.
Addressing reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Venugopal asserted that the United Democratic Front (UDF) is contesting the upcoming elections not to project a chief ministerial face, but to deliver what he described as a “people-driven mandate for change.”
Venugopal accused the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) of maintaining a “secret pact” with the BJP to weaken the opposition. He claimed that this alleged nexus is reflected in candidate selections and the handling of central agency investigations.
“There is a covert understanding between the CPI(M) and the BJP. From candidate selection to stalled central probes like the Lavalin case, the signs are evident,” he said, adding that even grassroots workers within the Left were uneasy about such an arrangement.
Stepping up his criticism, Venugopal accused Vijayan of “national hypocrisy,” alleging double standards in his political conduct. He claimed that while the Chief Minister publicly criticizes opposition leaders, he seeks relief from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in legal matters.
“The CM appeases Modi to delay his own central probes; he has no right to call Rahul Gandhi—who fights Adani and Modi head-on—the BJP’s B-team,” Venugopal said, defending the Congress leader against allegations from the Left Democratic Front.
Amid ongoing speculation over Congress’s chief ministerial candidate, Venugopal clarified that the party would not project any individual for the top post before the elections.
“The Congress is not facing this election to make a specific person the Chief Minister. When the UDF wins, the best person will be chosen,” he said, expressing confidence that the alliance would secure over 100 of the 140 seats in the Assembly.
Venugopal also accused the Vijayan-led government of “serious failures” in governance, particularly in healthcare and law and order.
He alleged mismanagement in medical institutions and irregularities in recruitment processes, including Public Service Commission appointments.
“Medical institutions meant to save lives have become examples of mismanagement. Even top-ranked candidates in PSC lists are not assured jobs, while backdoor appointments favor those close to the ruling establishment,” he claimed.
Outlining the UDF’s proposed welfare agenda, Venugopal announced a comprehensive healthcare scheme in memory of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, offering financial assistance of up to RS 25 lakh. He also promised an increase in welfare pensions to Rs 3,000 and free travel for women in KSRTC buses. The war of words between the Congress-led UDF and the ruling Left Democratic Front is intensifying, signalling a high-stakes contest in Kerala where governance, welfare, and political alliances are expected to dominate the narrative.
