A political controversy erupted in Kerala after a LDF-backed Thrissur Mayor MK Varghese met BJP state president K Surendran and accepted his Christmas cake. The meet turned into a political row after Sunil Kumar, a former minister and LDF candidate in the recent Thrissur Lok Sabha elections, slammed Varghese over his alleged 'friendliness' with BJP.
Speaking to reporters, Varghese hit out at CPI leader VS Sunil Kumar accusing him of making baseless allegations and questioning his motives.
On Saturday, Varghese suggested that Sunil Kumar’s criticism might be aimed at pushing him toward the BJP, further straining ties within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). Speaking to reporters, Varghese dismissed the allegations as unwarranted and claimed the CPI leadership had not sought an explanation from him. He defended the Christmas Day meeting, stating that sharing a cake was not a big issue.
"I am convinced that Surendran's visit with the cake was very sincere," the Mayor said, as per the report.
Varghese questioned Sunil Kumar’s intentions, suggesting the CPI leader might be attempting to make him a scapegoat for his Lok Sabha poll defeat. He also justified Surendran’s visit, describing it as a “sincere gesture.”
The Mayor further challenged Sunil Kumar to address allegations made by Surendran, who claimed the CPI leader had visited his home in Kozhikode and hosted him at his residence in Anthikad, Thrissur.
Sunil Kumar, however, maintained that the controversy extended beyond the cake, raising concerns about Varghese’s alleged allegiance to the BJP. “K. Surendran didn’t offer cakes to any other mayor,” he said, implying a deeper political connection.
Sunil Kumar, who lost the election to BJP’s Suresh Gopi, alleged that the meeting was part of a deliberate political move.