TIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At a time when three by-elections are around the corner, allegations of horse-trading – synonymous with north Indian politics – have hit the ruling Left front hard in Kerala.

Reports have surfaced that Left MLA and ex-minister in the Pinarayi cabinet Antony Raju has alleged that Left MLA – NCP’s Thomas K Thomas – had offered him and another Left MLA Kovoor Kunjumon Rs 100 crore (50 crore each) to change sides and defect to BJP ally, the NCP Ajith Pawar faction.

The allegation surfaced at a time when the UDF has been harping of a CPM-BJP nexus, especially in the coming by-elections.  

Democratic Kerala Congress MLA Antony Raju has apparently reported to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan about the alleged horse trading move in the first week of  October. Following this, the CM checked with RSP (Leninist) legislator Kovoor Kunjumon and enquired about its veracity. Kunjumon denied the allegation and reportedly told the CM that Antony Raju’s statements were false.

Later, the NCP leadership comprising state chief PC Chacko along with Thomas K Thomas and party minister AK Saseendran too met the CM and denied the allegations. 

Thomas K Thomas also submitted his response to the allegations in writing to the CM. He has also demanded an investigation into the whole episode.

Both Thomas K Thomas and Kovoor Kunjumon told TNIE that Antony Raju’s statements went against political morality. Antony Raju however continues to stand by his statements.

The new developments reportedly led to the chief minister’s refusal to NCP leadership’s demand for change of ministership from AK Saseendran to Thomas K Thomas.