Congress leader KC Venugopal on Sunday claimed that a CPI(M)-BJP “nexus” was evident in the ongoing elections and argued that such an understanding would not succeed in Kerala this time.
In a press conference, the AICC leader reiterated the party’s promise to provide free Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus travel for women if the UDF comes to power in the state.
“CPI(M) and LDF know very well that people’s sentiments are against them and they are using their latest ploy. CPI(M)-BJP friendship is nothing new in Kerala,” he said.
He argued that signs of this relationship were visible in issues such as PM-SHRI and the Left party’s attitude towards the central government.
“When a bridge is laid, it should be beneficial for both parties. We have seen the postponement of the Lavlin case against the Chief Minister. We have also seen the pace of investigation by central agencies in Kerala,” he said.
Mr. Venugopal claimed that the same tie-up was reflected in the candidate lists of the CPI(M) and the BJP and alleged that the two parties had struck a deal to help each other in the elections.
“But I am sure that even their party workers will reject this deal. They tried it before, but it was exposed. The same fate will be repeated,” he said.
He added that apart from unveiling the current UDF government, it is also presenting its governance plans.
He said that a detailed manifesto with specific projects and plans for Kerala would be released soon.
Mr. Venugopal said the CPI(M) had made light of the Congress’s earlier guarantee of free bus travel for women in the KSRTC.
“Women working in sectors like coconut, cashew, fishing, handloom and women under the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme are struggling to make ends meet. Our guarantee will be a game changer to make their lives easier,” he said.
Rejecting criticism that the scheme would put a financial burden on KSRTC, he noted that similar initiatives have been implemented in Karnataka and Telangana.
“The money spent on PR exercise can be used for such social activities. KSRTC will get financial support,” he said, adding that the UDF has a clear plan to solve the problems in the transport corporation.
He also claimed that the LDF had promised a social pension of ₹2,500 in the last election but only increased it to ₹2,000 ahead of the 2025 local polls.
He said the Congress guarantee of raising the social pension to ₹3,000 would be implemented.
Mr. Venugopal further spoke about the proposed health insurance scheme, similar to that in Rajasthan.
He expressed confidence that the UDF would secure 100 seats in the elections.
Published – 22 March 2026 20:37 IST
