The Twenty20 party is nothing but a wet firecracker and Sabu M. Jacob’s entry into the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is solely for the benefit of his company, Ernakulam District Congress Committee President Muhammad Shiyas has stated.
Claiming to be “apolitical”, Mr Jacob launched the Twenty20 party by accusing all political parties in Kerala of being corrupt, opportunistic and nepotistic. Until the recent local body elections, he repeatedly dismissed the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) as “useless” while sparing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He has now joined the BJP camp, a move tantamount to stalling the popular votes he had secured under the banner of “apoliticalism”, Mr Shiyas said.
“Mr. Jacob has now allied himself with the BJP, a party accused of unleashing brutal violence against religious minorities, Dalits and backward communities, while sabotaging development projects, undermining democracy and insulting the Constitution. After the local body elections, the Congress predicted that Twenty20 would eventually join the BJP as Mr. Jacob from the Left had no other option but to bend BJP’s rules.” for corporates, it is the most suitable place for a corporate businessman like Sabu Jacob. His move is completely driven by business interests,” Mr. Shiyas stated.
“After the assembly elections, Mr. Jacob even insulted the voters and accused them of being ungrateful even though they were benefiting from food packages. In Puthencruz and Vadavucode, 20 workers independently supported the Congress and this will continue,” said Shiyas. He also noted that not all Twenty20 members in Kunnathunad would join the BJP; many would move to Congress. The Twenty20 side has already collapsed and Mr Jacob should apologize to the people of Kunnathunad, Mr Shiyas said
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee Vice President VP Sajeendran said Mr. Jacob’s move would only bring him losses. Many local leaders have distanced themselves from the party completely and several have expressed interest in joining the Congress, Sajeendran added.
Published – 22 Jan 2026 20:22 IST
