Political war intensifies over ADGP's meeting with RSS leader; CPI comes out with open criticism, CPM denies secret alliance

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The political row over ADGP MR Ajith Kumar's meeting with an RSS leader has escalated after he acknowledged the meeting. The issue, first raised by Opposition leader VD Satheesan, is being used by the Congress to establish that there is a secret alliance between the Chief Minister, BJP, and CPM. In an attempt to shield the Chief Minister, CPM leaders rallied around him, but the Communist Party of India (CPI) vehemently denounced the meeting, using harsh language, which ultimately backfired on the ruling party.

The controversy further intensified after a special branch report revealed that the ADGP had discussions with Ram Madhav, the former national spokesperson of RSS, at a hotel in Kovalam.

The Congress is trying to portray the Chief Minister as the central figure in the alleged secret alliance between the CPM and BJP and to establish that the CPM's ideological foundation has collapsed. Following the Opposition leader's sharp allegation that a cabinet member is part of the Chief Minister's office's coterie, Minister MB Rajesh came out in support of the Chief Minister.

The CPM is defending itself by stating that it has no connection to the ADGP's visit and that there is a conspiracy behind the planned propaganda. State Secretary MV Govindan and PB member MA Baby have also come forward denying any connection to the RSS. PV Anwar has alleged that the ADGP's meeting was actually for the benefit of the Opposition leader.

CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam strongly condemned the meeting saying that it is unacceptable for a government official to meet with an RSS leader at the expense of the LDF. This suggests that the party is adopting a firm and uncompromising position on the matter.

MR Ajith Kumar, who is facing investigation on the allegations of PV Anvar MLA, has found himself on the defensive following the confirmation of his meetings with several RSS leaders. Meanwhile, former MLA Karat Razak, who had earlier levelled allegations against the Chief Minister's office and the ADGP, has withdrawn his complaint.