BJP’s K. Surendran demands disclosure of V.D. Satheesan’s ‘sponsors’, flays UDF govt over Sabarimala preparations

BJP's K. Surendran, a national secretary, has called for Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan to reveal the identities of those who allegedly "sponsor" his travel, specifically aboard chartered flights. Speaking to the press in Kasaragod, Surendran suggested that if the sponsors remained unnamed, it would raise questions about their potential unscrupulous backgrounds. He also questioned whether these sponsorships might entail "reciprocal favours."

Surendran alleged that the United Democratic Front (UDF) was acting out of frustration following a decade of opposition, attempting to accomplish in three months what the Pinarayi Vijayan government had achieved over that time. He further questioned the expenses incurred by ministers traveling abroad at the expense of friends, demanding transparency in the disclosure of their identities.

Surendran sarcastically mocked the UDF leaders and Minister K.M. Shaji for behaving like children who had suddenly discovered a large pile of jackfruit. He criticized the government for the preparations leading up to the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season, stating that there was only 50 days left and little progress in setting up essential facilities.

He accused Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan of merely making statements and shifting blame to the Travancore Devaswom Board president instead of taking responsibility himself.

Surendran warned that the pilgrimage might be disrupted this season owing to insufficient preparation, lack of Aravana, and incomplete construction works. He likened Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan to a "chicken let loose in the moonlight" while blaming the Travancore Devaswom Board, alleging that he was evading his own responsibilities.