Surendran to file nomination papers afresh

Thiruvananthapuram: BJP state general secretary and NDA candidate from Pathanamthitta, K Surendran will file his nominations papers afresh tomorrow after reports emerged that the Kerala government had informed the state High Court that over 240 cases were registered against him.

Surendran had filed his nomination on March 30, stating that there are 20 cases against him.

However, news reports emerged Wednesday that the state government had on March 29 submitted an affidavit in the High Court saying there were over 240 cases registered against him.

The BJP leader, who is contesting in Pathanamthitta constituency, where the party has pinned its hopes to bag more votes owing to Sabarimala agitation, alleged that the state government was trying to eliminate him from the poll fray.

"This is a clear case of political vendetta. I will be filing fresh nomination papers and affidavit after rectifying errors," Surendran told reporters.

The charges against Surendran include criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder and damaging public property.

Most of the cases are related to the Sabarimala agitation.

He is contesting against the two-time MP Anto Antony of Congress and Aranmula MLA Veena George.

The BJP, RSS and Sabarimala Karma Samiti, among others, had organised state-wide protests against the state government's decision to implement the September 28, 2018 Supreme Court order, allowing women of all ages into Sabarimala.

The state had witnessed violent protests by frenzied devotees and the right-wing groups, in which many people, including women and mediapersons were assaulted.

Surendran was arrested during the Sabarimala protests and jailed for over 20 days.

A local court granted him bail with stringent conditions, including that he should not enter Pathanamthitta district for two months.