Cong, BJP had deal in Kollam: Balagopal

Kollam: CPM state secretariat member KN Balagopal, who was elected from Kottarakkara constituency, alleged that BJP had arrived at an understanding with Congress to trade its votes for UDF candidates in the district in exchange for the Congress votes in Chathannoor constituency.
Speaking at “Keraleeyam 2021” programme organized by the Press Club here, Balagopal alleged that like in 2016 assembly polls BJP and Congress had a tacit understanding.“In Kundara and Eravipuram, UDF received the BJP votes. While BJP had a drop in their vote share in these constituencies it recorded an increase in votes in Chathannoor , he pointed out.
Balagopal said RSP state secretary AA Aziz’s statement that it would consider a change from the current political front was a positive sign. “LDF has already pointed out that RSP’s decision to join UDF for protecting the selfish interest of a single person was suicidal to that party. He alleged that media had indulged in character assassination in raking up issues like deep sea fishing,” he said.
To solve the traffic bottle neck in Kottarakkara town would be a priority, Balagopal said. Steps to promote the agriculture sector would be taken, he added.
J Chinchurani, who was elected from Chadayamangalam, said LDF could resolve the rift within the party in the initial phase. “There was no doubt about victory at any stage. And we could ensure more lead than we expected,” she said.