THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Poll reviews within the ruling LDF over the front’s poor performance in the recent local body elections have led to a major war of words between SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan and CPI state chief Binoy Viswam. While the former termed the CPI a bunch of betrayers, the latter shot back saying the label suited Vellappally better.
The tussle began after the SNDP Yogam leader made some unsavoury remarks against the Left ally over its criticisms against him.
Speaking to the media here, Vellappally said CPI is full of betrayers.
“After reaping in all the gains for ten years, now they distance themselves from the government,” he alleged. Terming the CPI as betrayers, he said if there is criticism, the same should be aired within the party.
Stating that Pinarayi government will continue in power for the third consecutive term, he also questioned criticism over his journey with the chief minister in his official vehicle.
“Am I an untouchable? Would they have created such an issue if it was an upper caste leader?” he asked. Vellappally reiterated his old stance that SNDP Yogam was unable to open educational institutions in northern districts like Malappuram. When the media posed repeated questions in this regard, the senior leader lost his cool.
Later addressing the media, CPI chief Binoy Viswam shot back at Vellappally saying such terms would suit the latter a ‘thousand times more’. “Nobody has entrusted Vellappally to rate parties within LDF. LDF is not Natesan, and should not be Natesan,” he said.
Responding to the media, Binoy Viswam said he would not let Vellappally travel with him in his car.
The Vellappally-Binoy tussle comes at a time when the CPM has rejected charges of anti-incumbency against the ruling Left government.
The CPI on the other hand has strongly underscored in its party meetings that there is strong resentment bubbling up against the government.
The CPI state executive and council meetings too witnessed severe criticism against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who has taken a soft stance toward Vellappally, despite the latter’s alleged anti-minority remarks.