Sabu M Jacob Dismisses 'NDA-LDF Deal' Claims, Says Congress Leaders 'fear Losing Ernakulam' | Kerala Assembly Elections

Kochi: Twenty20 president Sabu M Jacob has strongly rejected the UDF’s allegations of a clandestine understanding between the NDA and the LDF, asserting that such claims replicate rising nervousness amongst senior Congress leaders. He stated Opposition Leader VD Satheesan and Congress veteran Ramesh Chennithala are “equally terrified” of Twenty20’s rise, notably in Ernakulam, a area lengthy thought of a UDF bastion.

Jacob’s remarks come amid intensified accusations from Congress leaders alleging a “CPM–BJP deal” within the run-up to the Assembly elections.

According to Jacob, the narrative of a political “deal” is being pushed out of concern that the UDF may lose its grip over Ernakulam, an consequence he described as politically vital for the Congress in Kerala.

I’ve maintained that there isn’t any want for any electoral understanding, stressing that the NDA, now a coalition of 14 events, is contesting independently with the target of gaining energy within the state. “There have been no adjustments in any constituency,” he stated, dismissing the allegations outright.

In a counterattack, Jacob revealed that senior Congress leaders had beforehand sought an alliance with Twenty20. He claimed that forward of the 2021 Assembly elections, a four-hour “midnight meeting” was held involving Oommen Chandy, Chennithala, and Satheesan, throughout which they urged Twenty20 to cooperate with the UDF.

“I made it clear then that it would not happen. Similar attempts were made this time as well,” Jacob stated.

He added that Twenty20, which contested eight seats in 2021 and secured a notable 15.3 per cent vote share, has now expanded its footprint. “This time, we are contesting nine seats in Ernakulam and have built an organizational presence across all 14 districts. Along with the NDA’s strength, we are confident of winning multiple seats in Ernakulam,” he stated.

Jacob additionally turned the highlight on the Congress, difficult its leaders to specify the place such alleged offers had taken place. I’ve alleged that in Harippad, the place Chennithala is contesting, the LDF fielded a candidate from exterior the constituency, reportedly from Cherthala, to not directly support the Congress chief’s prospects.

Earlier, Satheesan and Chennithala had accused the CPM and BJP of working in tandem in a number of constituencies, together with Palakkad, Kasaragod, Manjeshwar, Konni, Ranni, and Ettumanoor.