Political strategy of bringing Sandeep Varier from BJP to Congress; highly secretive master plan of Opposition leader VD Satheesan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/PALAKKAD: The aggressive moves made by the Congress leadership to separate Sandeep Varier from the BJP were highly secretive. Opposition leader VD Satheesan was the one who led the operation. The discussions held in Kochi and Bangalore were not leaked.

The RSS-BJP leadership was keeping an eye on Sandeep as it was election time. The decision was taken by Congress at a rapid pace, with a political sleight that the CPM and the BJP had no doubt about.

Ever since the leaders were tasked to speak to Sandeep, the opposition leader controlled everything with utmost caution. P Harigovindan, a senior leader from Palakkad, was the first to be given the responsibility. Other leaders in Palakkad were sidelined. It was suggested that even the DCC chairman should be informed only in the final stages. Later, Benny Behanan and others participated in the discussion. The AICC intervened in the second phase. AICC secretary in-charge of Kerala PP Mohanan interacted with Sandeep outside the state. AICC moved for the leadership's consent. Deepa Dasmunsi, general secretary in charge of Kerala, and another leader spoke to Sandeep in person.

When Sandeep's arrival was almost confirmed, Satheesan informed KPCC president K Sudhakaran about it. It then moved on to a final discussion last Wednesday.

Meanwhile, senior leaders from the CPM, including a minister, tried to communicate but Sandeep did not listen. Sandeep joined the Congress yesterday without any drama.

To be fielded in Ottapalam?

Sandeep is likely to be given the position he deserves in the post-poll party reorganisation. It is learned that the Ottapalam assembly seat was also offered.

Corrected the history of leaders leaving Congress

The CPM bringing of some leaders from the Congress in Palakkad to their side had backfired politically for Congress. CPM had claimed that the leaders from Congress and BJP were coming only to CPM and that was because they were the custodians of secularism. Congress has responded to it by removing BJP's prominent man. This dealt a blow to the CPM and the BJP during the by-election. Congress can also take comfort in the fact that it has given a reply to the BJP, who had taken Padmaja Venugopal from the Congress.

Bringing Sandeep Warrier, who was very close to BJP and RSS national leaders, to the Congress camp will be highlighted as an achievement of the Congress at the national level as well. Sandeep's entry into the Congress will be discussed at the national level also.