Kerala: Satheesan talks about ‘political surprises’, says several parties may join UDF

The LoP in Kerala VD Satheesan on Tuesday (January 13) said several parties from both the LDF and the NDA, along with independent individuals, are expected to join the UDF ahead of the Assembly elections, hinting at "political surprises" in the coming days.

His remarks gained significance following media reports that the Congress-led front had reached out to the Kerala Congress (M), its former political ally and now a key member of the ruling LDF.

Satheesan, speaking with reporters, neither confirmed nor denied the reports but said the KC (M) continues to function as part of the LDF. He also emphasised that the UDF would not make any statements that could affect the party’s credibility.

‘Surprise cannot be revealed in advance’

"There will be surprises in Kerala before the elections. Parties from the LDF and the NDA, as well as independent individuals, will join the UDF platform. Do not ask who they are now; we will inform the media at the appropriate time," he said.

Also Read: Three-time CPI(M) MLA P Aisha Potty joins Congress in Kerala

Stressing that the surprise cannot be revealed in advance, Satheesan said that if people waited a few more days, they would understand what the surprise was.

Mani clarifies absence at anti-Centre protest

Though KC (M) supremo Jose K Mani had already clarified that his party would remain firmly with the LDF, his absence at an anti-Centre protest satyagraha organised by the ruling front on Monday (January 12) had fuelled political speculation.

However, Mani posted on Facebook on Tuesday, reiterating that the KC (M) stands with the Left Front.

He explained that he had to travel outside Kerala due to unavoidable personal reasons, which prevented him from participating in the protest. The LDF leadership had been informed, and all the party MLAs had attended the programme, he added.

Also Read: UDF skips LDF protest against Centre, alleges CPI(M)-BJP nexus in Kerala

"In this context, discussions outside regarding the party’s political stance have nothing to do with the KC (M). Anyone making such comments is part of an agenda to consciously destabilise the party," Mani said.

He added that the KC (M) would move forward unitedly.

KC (M) leaders dismiss reports about joining UDF

Senior KC (M) leaders Roshy Augustine and Pramod Narayanan also dismissed reports that the party was warming up to the UDF ahead of the Assembly polls.

When reporters sought his reaction, a visibly irritated Augustine said he was unaware of any discussions about the Kerala Congress (M) changing fronts, adding that such reports have surfaced periodically. He also clarified that the Church leadership had not intervened in any matter related to alliance changes.

Also Read: Kerala gears up for political showdown as LDF turns financial grievances into poll plank

Kerala Congress (M), once a key ally of the UDF, had shifted to the LDF under Jose K Mani’s leadership following the death of his father and party stalwart KM Mani.

(With agency inputs)