Allegations of horse trading rock ruling Left in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At a time when three by-elections are around the corner, allegations of horse-trading – synonymous with north Indian politics – have hit the ruling Left front hard in Kerala.

Reports have surfaced that Left MLA and ex-minister in the Pinarayi cabinet Antony Raju has alleged that Left MLA – NCP’s Thomas K Thomas – had offered him and another Left MLA Kovoor Kunjumon Rs 100 crore (50 crore each) to change sides and defect to BJP ally, the NCP Ajith Pawar faction.

The allegation surfaced at a time when the UDF has been harping of a CPM-BJP nexus, especially in the coming by-elections.

Democratic Kerala Congress MLA Antony Raju has apparently reported to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan about the alleged horse trading move in the first week of October. Following this, the CM checked with RSP (Leninist) legislator Kovoor Kunjumon and enquired about its veracity. Kunjumon denied the allegation and reportedly told the CM that Antony Raju’s statements were false.

Later, the NCP leadership comprising state chief PC Chacko along with Thomas K Thomas and party minister AK Saseendran too met the CM and denied the allegations.