Alliance between CPM and SDPI an open fact: Ramesh Chennithala

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Sunday alleged that there is an understanding between the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections.

Addressing a “Meet the Press” programme in Kochi, Chennithala claimed that the alliance between the CPM and SDPI is an “open fact,” alleging that the two are working together behind the scenes to help the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) secure victory in the polls.

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He further alleged that the arrangement with SDPI was forged with the direct intervention of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and claimed that in several constituencies, SDPI nominees are effectively functioning as CPM candidates.

Chennithala also accused the CPM of entering into an understanding with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), stating that discussions were held in the presence of its leader Abdul Nasser Madani.

Expressing confidence in his party’s prospects, he said there is a strong pro-United Democratic Front (UDF) wave in the state. He added that if the UDF comes to power, it would review the policies of the current LDF government.

Chennithala also noted that discussions regarding the Chief Ministerial candidate of the UDF are premature and would take place only after the elections.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan rejected the allegations, stating that the LDF has neither held discussions with the SDPI nor entered into any pact with it for the April 9 Assembly polls.

Speaking at a press conference in Tirur, Vijayan termed the allegations baseless and politically motivated, asserting that the LDF has consistently maintained a firm stand against communalism.