Kozhikode, Aug 21 (IANS) Newly-appointed BJP national secretary, K. Surendran, on Friday alleged that the UDF government was functioning under the influence of radical elements.

Surendran claimed that the Kerala government was delaying the implementation of the PM SHRI scheme because of the influence of these radical elements.

He alleged that the government’s inability to implement the centrally sponsored scheme was the result of pressure from the Indian Union Muslim League and Jamaat-e-Islami.

“All Congress ruled states have implemented the PM SHRI scheme. But in Kerala, the Muslim League and religious fundamentalist forces are opposing Central government schemes,” he said.

Surendran also questioned what he described as the Congress’ differing approach in Kerala on issues of national importance.

He pointed out that Vande Mataram was sung in full in Congress ruled Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh and Telangana on Independence Day, while, according to him, Satheesan was not prepared to sing even four lines of the song in Kerala.

“Why does a national party like the Congress follow a different policy only in Kerala?” he asked, alleging that the government in the state was surrendering to these radical elements.

“Both ideologically and politically, the Congress has surrendered to communal forces,” Surendran alleged.

Turning to the Exalogic case, Surendran said that during the past five years, when the UDF was in the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan had repeatedly alleged that the BJP was helping the CPI(M) in the case.

“Now that the Enforcement Directorate has come out with serious findings in the case, why is Satheesan silent?” he asked.

Surendran said Satheesan, who had earlier alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was protecting then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, had now become silent as the investigation was entering its final stages.

“The V.D. Satheesan government has already become a carbon copy of the Pinarayi Vijayan government. There is no difference between the LDF and UDF governments when it comes to governance,” he alleged.

Surendran further said that Pinarayi Vijayan was not fit to continue as Leader of the Opposition and should resign, reflecting what he described as the BJP’s position.

He also questioned why Mohammed Riyas was afraid of an investigation.

“If there is nothing to hide, why should Mohammed Riyas fear an investigation?” he asked, adding that even CPI(M) workers appeared to understand the seriousness of the matter, which, he claimed, was why none of them were reacting against the ED.

–IANS

sg/rad