THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/PALAKKAD: The aggressive move of the Congress leadership to bring Sandeep Varier from the BJP, were highly secret. The operation was led by opposition leader V D Satheesan. The talks held in Kochi and Bangalore were not leaked.

As it was election season, the RSS-BJP leadership was keenly watching Sandeep. The Congress took the decision at a very fast pace with a political sleight and the CPM and the BJP had no doubt.

Right from the moment leaders were tasked to talk to Sandeep, everything was controlled by opposition leader with extreme caution. Palakkad senior leader P Hari Govindan was first entrusted for the job. Other leaders in Palakkad were kept apart. It was directed to inform DCC chairman lastly. Benny Behanan later joined the talks. AICC intervened in the second phase.

AICC secretary in charge of Kerala P V Mohanan communicated with Sandeep outside the state. Moved AICC leadership for the consent. General Secretary in-charge of Kerala Deepadas Munshi and another leader spoke directly to Sandeep.

With Sandeep's entry almost certain, Satheesan informed KPCC president K Sudhakaran. Moved for the final round of talks last Wednesday.

Meanwhile, senior leaders including a minister from the CPM tried to communicate with Sandeep, but he did not succumb. Sandeep joined the Congress party officially
yesterday.

Sandeep may be given a post in the party reorganization after elections. It is heard that he has been offered the Ottappalam assembly seat.