IUML denies CPM’s JEI link claim & terms it poll panic

Kozhikode: IUML on Friday hit back at CPM leader AK Balan's claim that Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI) was dictating the party's agenda and candidate selection, dismissing it as a blatant lie driven by fear of electoral defeat. "These are baseless allegations that will never stand. Making such baseless claims is typical of AK Balan and CPM and it reflects their desperation in the face of a looming defeat," said IUML state general secretary PMA Salam.He alleged that chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan was following the line once enunciated by EMS Namboodiripad of clinging to power even if it meant aligning with ‘any devil'. "The CM knows that if he is out of power, he will end up in prison, so that is why he is trying to cling to power at any cost," alleged Salam.He also countered LDF's charge of IUML's alleged links with JEI by citing LDF's own candidate in Vengara. "This is a constituency where SDPI has around 8,000 votes and yet they are not fielding a candidate. Instead, LDF has nominated a person who contested on an SDPI ticket in the previous election," said Salam, adding that similar tactics were being used to aid BJP in seats like Palakkad. He further alleged that a tacit CPM-BJP understanding existed in 15 constituencies in the previous assembly election.Meanwhile, IUML leader and Vengara candidate KM Shaji said that Balan was a blunt tool deployed by Vijayan to make reckless allegations and divert attention from key issues. He challenged Balan to openly criticize SDPI in Vengara.Later, CITU national general secretary Elamaram Kareem claimed that senior IUML leader M K Muneer was denied candidature due to pressure from JEI citing Muneer's ideological opposition to the organization.Rejecting the claim, Muneer said IUML does not decide candidates based on external influence and accused the CPM of fabricating stories in the absence of favourable factors in the election.