Solar scam had impact on Vengara poll: K Muraleedharan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress MLA K. Muraleedharan has demanded that the UDF should examine the reasons behind the reduced victory margin of Muslim League leader K. N. A. Khader. He urged high power political affairs committee of the Congress and the UDF leadership to analyse the drop in votes.
“Solar scam had its impact on Vengara. Chief minister ordered a criminal investigation within an hour since the ballot began. Moreover, the Left government decided to register rape cases against several Congress leaders that could have adverse reactions against the UDF candidate,” he said.

He was careful not to blame the UDF leadership, but demanded to know the reason behind the fall in majority.  However, he maintained that he had got the feedback from UDF workers in Vengara that Mr Khader will never get the majority Mr Kunhalikutty had. Senior Congress leader A. K. Antony said the BJP coming to a fourth position was the highlight of the by-election.

He told reporters in New Delhi that UDF's victory was satisfactory, but what is crucial is the way in which the BJP pushed into fourth position. "Kunhalikutty belongs to Vengara, unlike Mr Khader. It's a deadly blow to the morale of the BJP at the national and state level," he said. Former KPCC president V. M. Sudheeran too demanded corrective measures to strengthen the support base.