Sat Nov 16 13:26:04 IST 2024: **Congress Pulls Off Surprise Coup, Welcomes BJP Leader Sandeep Variar**
**Thiruvananthapuram, November 16, 2024:** In a stunning turn of events just days before the Palakkad by-election (November 20th), the Congress party has secured the allegiance of prominent BJP leader Sandeep Variar. Sources indicate that a deal was finalized two days ago, keeping the move secret until after the BJP’s Ratholsavam (chariot festival) concluded. The Congress strategized this as a major late-campaign boost, aiming to shock rival parties.
Variar’s defection comes amid the fallout from P.Sari’s controversial switch to the Congress and subsequent controversies. Congress leadership believes Variar’s influence will help counter BJP gains in the Palakkad constituency, where several party members have recently defected. Initial speculation suggested Variar would join the CPM, but he denied this. Reported internal CPM dissent over accepting both Sari and Variar appears to have paved the way for the Congress’s carefully orchestrated maneuver.
Congress leaders, including Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan, reportedly held secret negotiations with Variar. The move is seen as a significant strategic gamble by the Congress to improve their standing in the crucial Palakkad by-election.
First Piper 