'I would like to thank Balettan and MB Rajesh for their kind words'; standing firm on previous stance, says Sandeep Varier

PALAKKAD: It is indicated that Sandeep Varier, who's been at odds with the BJP leadership, is likely to move to the CPM. When asked about his potential move to the CPM, Sandeep Varier said he cannot respond to that question at the moment. Meanwhile, BJP leader PR Shivasankaran and RSS leader Jayakumar visited Varier's residence to persuade him to stay in the BJP. Speaking to the media, Varier said that Jayakumar is a "guru-like-figure" and that he had openly discussed his concerns with him.

Sandeep Varier, who said that his mind was feeling empty at the moment, added that he was standing firm on his previous stance. Varier had earlier said that he was insulted by some party leaders and that C Krishnakumar was the person who tried to destroy him. However, he acknowledged and thanked CPM leaders A.K. Balan and Minister M.B. Rajesh for their kind words about him.

"I would have been more happy if K Surendran had been ready to discuss things. I'm not part of any group within the party. I'm a BJP worker even at this moment. I've never felt that I am a leader big enough to face expulsion from the party. I don't think or worry that the party leadership will take such an action," he said.

The BJP-RSS leaders' attempt to persuade Sandeep Varier comes at a time when the party considers his criticism against the BJP candidate in Palakkad and the state leadership as a serious disciplinary breach. CPM leader AK Balan had said that his party would welcome Varier if he leaves the BJP