Kochi

A fresh political controversy erupted after Sangh Parivar leader R V Babu on Saturday alleged that UDF chairman V D Satheesan had approached RSS leaders for support during the 2001 and 2006 Assembly elections. The Congress leader strongly denied the claims, calling them baseless.

Babu, who is also the state president of the Hindu Aikya Vedi, said in a television interview that Satheesan had met RSS leaders in the past to secure electoral support. He further claimed that Satheesan, who had earlier denied attending an RSS event in 2006, later admitted to it, raising questions about his statements.

The Sangh leader also alleged that after losing the 1996 Assembly election to CPI candidate P Raju, Satheesan sought RSS backing to strengthen his political position. He added that the Congress party’s current stand against the RSS was different from its approach in earlier years. Babu openly stated that he wants Satheesan to be defeated and described both the UDF and LDF as similar in nature.

Responding to the allegations, Satheesan rejected the claims outright and said he has never sought support from the RSS or the BJP. He argued that Babu’s statement expressing a desire for his defeat itself proves that there is no understanding between him and the RSS.

The Congress leader also reiterated his earlier allegations of links between the RSS and CPI(M). He questioned the CPI(M)’s support from the People’s Democratic Party, asking whether it aligned with secular values. Satheesan further accused the CPI(M) of shielding leaders involved in the Sabarimala gold misappropriation cases.

He also urged the central government to reconsider proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, stating that such changes could impact charitable activities carried out by NGOs.