Secret pact between CPM and BJP in Palakkad: AICC general secretary KC Venugopal

KOCHI: AICC general secretary K C Venugopal on Saturday alleged that CPM and BJP had reached a "secret pact" in Palakkad for the upcoming assembly elections."LDF's decision to field an independent candidate in Palakkad is a strategic move to assist BJP. This secret alliance exists in a few other constituencies too, and it will become clearer in the coming days," he told reporters at Nedumbassery airport.On candidate selection, Venugopal said while many deserving leaders were considered, the list approved by central committee was final. He emphasized that the upcoming election was being seen as a mission to end 10 years of Left rule. "Those who couldn't be included in the contest will be considered for significant responsibilities once UDF forms the govt," he said. He added that leaders who work sincerely for the victory of party candidates would be given due positions in future.Dismissing criticism over the delay in candidate selection, he said Congress had finalised its list promptly, adding that instances of candidates shifting constituencies, including sitting ministers of ruling LDF, reflected the political dynamics ahead of the polls.Venugopal mocked LDF's campaign, pointing out that a minister named as candidate has failed to hit the trail even four days after the announcement. He argued that the delay reflects a lack of confidence within the ruling front. However, he exuded confidence that UDF was on track to secure 100 seats, bolstered by a 12-day intensive campaign led by senior national leaders.The Alappuzha MP raised concerns over Election Commission's schedule, describing the narrow window for nominations as "unprecedented and suspicious". He questioned whether the timeline was part of a larger ‘deal' to handicap candidates, leaving them with less than two weeks for effective outreach.Venugopal hit out against chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan for "shielding" those accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, saying that people of Kerala have already decided in favour of a UDF victory.Responding to a question on his photographs being used on campaign posters of many candidates, Venugopal said he had not asked anyone to include his image and described it as a common practice to feature prominent leaders in election materials.He asserted that all Congress candidates in the fray represent not just individual leaders but the collective leadership, including V D Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala and others.