'I meet a lot of people, is it a crime?': Prakash Javadekar on meeting CPI(M) leader Jayarajan

Senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Prakash Javadekar on April 27 termed as 'bogus news' party leader Sobha Surendran's claims that CPI(M) central committee member and LDF convener EP Jayarajan held discussions on joining the saffron party.

"It is bogus news. How does Sudhakaran know who I meet or talk to?" he told The Indian Express. Surendran, however, did not name Javadekar and only mentioned that Jayarajan had held talks with the BJP. "Did Sobha say I met Jayarajan? How does Sobha know who I meet or talk to?" Javadekar added.

Responding to Surendran's allegations that the meeting happened over tea at Jayarajan's son residence, Javadekar said that he meets a lot of people and that there's nothing with it.

"We may have met in his constituency, the airport, or in Parliament. I do meet a lot of people. I may have shared a meal with Shashi Tharoor or other political leaders. Is it a crime? What's wrong with it?"

Jayarajan too dismissed Surendran's claims as utter lies but admitted that he met Javadekar in Thiruvananthapuram. "I met him at my son’s flat. Javadekar came to the flat realising that I was there. We did not discuss politics. I wanted to go for a meeting and before leaving the flat, I told my son to give tea to Javadekar. I did not inform the party about this meeting," he said.

As Kerala went to polls on April 26, state Congress chief K Sudhakaran and leader of opposition in the state assembly VD Satheesan had attacked the LDF convener saying there was a secret understanding between the BJP and the CPI(M).

Satheesan also raised suspicion over whether Jayarajan was acting as a 'bridge between the chief minister and the BJP' to settle the cases against Pinarayi Vijayan.

Jayarajan is said to have been unhappy after being overlooked for the position of CPI(M) state secretary. The post is currently held by MV Govindan 'Master' who is junior to Jayarajan.

After casting his vote on Friday, the Kerala CM had cautioned Jayarajan to be vigilant in his associations.

"Jayarajan should have been vigilant before getting in touch with such people ... In the past also, Jayarajan failed to be careful on such occasions. He should have avoided meeting with Javadekar in the presence of a person of suspicious character," he said.