UDF convenor demands probe into CPI(M) MP’s links with Sabarimala gold loss case accused: 'I did not know that he was a thief'

A priest performs rituals at the Sabarimala temple (PTI/ Photo)

• UDF's Adoor Prakash urges probe into CPI(M) MP's alleged Sabarimala gold ties.
• Prakash denies arranging Sonia Gandhi's meeting with accused Unnikrishnan Potty
• CPI(M) MP John Brittas rejects Prakash's allegations as baseless and illogical

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UDF convenor Adoor Prakash on Saturday called for an investigation into a CPI(M) MP's alleged links with the prime accused in the Sabarimala gold loss case.

However, Prakash declined to name the MP.

He was responding to reporters after Left parties and the BJP criticised him over a photograph in which he was seen along with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, Pathanamthitta MP Anto Antony and the prime accused in the gold loss case, Unnikrishnan Potty.

Prakash clarified that Potty was from the constituency he represents.

“When he met me and established an acquaintance, I did not know that he was a thief. He had approached me to inaugurate a programme serving meals at Sabarimala,” Prakash said.

He further said as per the invitation, he inaugurated the programme at Sabarimala.

“Later, he came to Delhi and told me that he had come to hand over prasad related to the pooja held at Sabarimala to Sonia Gandhi. Then, at his request, I went to meet Sonia Gandhi,” he said.

Prakash denied making any arrangements for Potty to meet Gandhi.

“After reaching Delhi, Potty contacted me and told me that he had received an appointment to meet Sonia Gandhi and invited me as an MP,” he said.

He said several people meet Gandhi daily after taking appointments.

According to Prakash, a CPI(M) MP, who is trying to act as a bridge between the Left and the BJP, had played a role in the removal of gold from Sabarimala.

“That person contacted Potty multiple times. Shouldn’t his phone calls be examined as part of the investigation?” he asked.

Though reporters suggested the name of a CPI(M) MP, Prakash refused to reveal his identity.

“There are several photographs, including those of the chief minister inaugurating events. The links of all leaders should be investigated,” he said.

Prakash also said he welcomed any investigation against him.

“If there is an investigation against me, then everything should be probed. The financial sources of several people involved should be checked, which will reveal many details,” he added.

The photograph showing Sonia Gandhi with the prime accused Unnikrishnan Potty along with UDF leaders, has been raised multiple times by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

CPI(M) and BJP leaders have also demanded a probe against Sonia Gandhi in connection with the Sabarimala gold loss case.

Even though Prakash did not name the left MP, reports emerged claiming that the Congress leader was pointing to CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas.

In the evening, Brittas rejected UDF convenor Adoor Prakash’s allegation over the Sabarimala gold loss case, saying the Congress leader might be pointing fingers at members of his own party.

Brittas told reporters that Prakash had raised a "baseless" allegation.

“He has reduced himself to a joke. Even while making false claims, there should be some logic,” he said.

He accused Prakash of "dragging" Congress leader Sonia Gandhi further into the controversy.

“Is 10 Janpath a place where anyone can walk in? Sonia Gandhi still has Z-plus security. Even senior Congress leaders do not easily get her appointment. How did the accused manage to meet her?” he asked.

Brittas also said Sonia Gandhi is not an Ayyappa devotee.

“If she were, why has she never visited Sabarimala?” he asked.

He said Prakash’s statements were contradictory and raised more questions than they clarified the issue.

“I do not know Potty, but I know Prakash, who appears to be backing him. Even if I had met Potty, the only possibility is that he was introduced by Prakash himself,” the MP said.

Brittas said Prakash’s claim that Potty contacted a CPI(M) leader suggested that the accused’s phone was actually with a Congress leader.

“My advice is that Prakash, as the UDF convenor, should not drag himself and his party into this blunder,” Brittas said.