Crack in BJP over Muraleedharan’s remarks on alliance with KC(M)

Thiruvananthapuram: The State leaders of BJP have appeared divided over State president V Muraleedharan’s urge to the Kerala Congress (M) to join its ranks ahead of next year's assembly polls.

BJP national executive member P K Krishnadas on Tuesday came out against the party chief’s remarks saying there was at present no significance to a ‘talk’ over any alliance with Kerala Congress (M).

“BJP is a party that protested strongly against the corruption of K M Mani. So there is no meaning to talk about an alliance with his party. Let the Kerala Congress (M) leave the UDF first. We can talk about the alliance after that,” Krishnadas said in an interview to Asianet News.

He further said an association with Mani’s party will create confusion among the party workers.

BJP state unit president V. Muraleedharan had on Monday said the Kerala Congress (M) would be welcomed with open arms if it chooses to join the BJP-led coalition.

"We will say yes to any party other than the Congress, the CPI-M and the Indian Union Muslim League.

"Look, we fought the corruption of Mani - who is an individual but we do not have any problem with the Kerala Congress (Mani) party. We have never said that his party is a corrupt one," said Muraleedharan.

The offer came days after Kerala Congress (Mani) leader K.M. Mani resigned as finance minister following a Kerala High Court order in the bar bribery scam, in which he is an accused.

The BJP is yet to open its account in the 140-seat Kerala assembly and with the assembly polls slated for early next year, the BJP is doing its best to increase its support base.