“BJP Candidate Facing Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad Has 242 Criminal Cases”

In Short

• Kerala BJP state chief K Surendran has 242 criminal cases against him
• Most of the cases are related to 2018 Sabarimala protests
• Surendran has been fielded by BJP from Wayanad against Rahul Gandhi

K Surendran, the BJP Kerala chief and NDA candidate challenging Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, is embroiled in 242 criminal cases, as revealed recently. In compliance with statutory requirements, Surendran disclosed the details of these cases in the party’s official publication, spanning three full pages.

Similarly, K S Radhakrishnan, the BJP’s candidate for the Ernakulam constituency, is confronted with approximately 211 cases against him.

Most of these cases stem from the Sabarimala protests of 2018, clarified George Kurian, the state general secretary of the BJP. He explained that many of these cases are currently under judicial scrutiny, often initiated by police action following protests or strikes called by party leaders.

Mandatory publication of case details for candidates was stressed by Kurian, emphasizing the transparency of the electoral process.

Additionally, BJP national general secretary B L Santhosh highlighted the extensive legal entanglements of Surendran, Radhakrishnan, and other party candidates through a tweet.

Santhosh noted the challenges faced by nationalists in certain regions, underscoring the struggles encountered in upholding principles in such environments.

A breakdown provided by Kurian revealed that 237 out of the total cases against Surendran were linked to the Sabarimala protests, while the remaining five were associated with various agitations in Kerala.

The BJP and its affiliates had organized widespread protests in 2018 against the Kerala government’s decision to enforce the Supreme Court’s verdict regarding women’s entry into the Sabarimala shrine.

Details regarding the cases of other party candidates are awaited.

With the deadline for filing nominations for the Lok Sabha elections set for April 4, the Election Commission has received 18 nominations to date. Notable entries include M Mukesh from Kollam representing the Left and Ashwini M L, the BJP candidate from Kasaragod.