THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: NDA candidate at Thiruvananthapuram, Kummanam Rajaeskharan opined that the Congress campaign to portray him as communalist was a setback. “I respect the decision of the people. But it was an unfortunate and from the Congress including the KPCC president to campaign in such a harsh way”, Kummanam said.

“It was alarming to see lies getting propagated. They campaigned that I gave leadership to Nilakkal and Marad riots, which is misleading. I tried to solve the Nilakkal problem through talks. Even the then Chief Minister K. Karunakaran appreciated me for this. But the Congress tried to create communal enmity with this”, alleged Kummanam.

“They banded together to defeat me. Chief Minister said that Kummanam won’t win. But he didn’t mention the winner. The only aim was to defeat me. NDA performed greatly across the state despite not winning anywhere”, Kummanam added.