PALAKKAD: Former youth congress state secretary A K Shanib harshly criticized opposition leader V D Satheesan. He also alleged that Satheesan joining hands with BJP is eyeing the chief minister’s post.

Shanib clarified that he will contest in Palakkad as an independent candidate. He said that he will get the nomination papers today and file the nominations on Thursday. He added that his candidacy will never be in favor of the BJP.

V D Satheesan and Shafi Parambil have jointly hijacked the Congress. What V D Satheesan says in the press meet is what Shafi Parambil sends him on WhatsApp.

Shanib came to the fore after Rahul Mamkootathil was announced as the Congress candidate in the by-elections. ‘The congress is completely avoiding leaders of a community in Palakkad. Shafi Parambil's stand is that he should be the only leader from that community. If is against the stand, will be insulted through fans association. The youth congress changed the election method for Shafi Parambil. Shafi Parambil became more prominent after Oommen Chandy falling ill. Chandy informed Shafi that Ramesh Chennithala should be made the opposition leader. Shafi sabotaged that and stood with V D Satheesan,’ alleged Shanib.