Kadakampally Surendran Contradicts Ruling Front on Sonia Gandhi Amidst Sabarimala Gold Robbery Row
Thiruvananthapuram: Amidst the ruling front’s attempts in the Kerala Assembly to link Congress leader Sonia Gandhi to the Sabarimala gold robbery case, former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran has taken a divergent stance. Surendran asserted that he does not believe Sonia Gandhi would allow a person of dubious character into her home. Speaking outside the Assembly, Kadakampally Surendran explained that it is natural for images to surface when a picture of him with Unnikrishnan Potti, an accused in the case, is shared.
“We are not weaponizing the picture with Sonia Gandhi. When there were attempts to establish some connection between the CPM and Potti, these matters naturally came up. Adoor Prakash is also said to have attended many functions,” Kadakampally stated, deflecting attempts to implicate his party based on photographs.
Kadakampally Surendran further clarified that he had visited the house of Unnikrishnan Potti only once. He acknowledged having seen Potti multiple times at Sabarimala but denied any improper relationship with him. Surendran maintained that until the news of the gold robbery broke, he considered Unnikrishnan Potti to be an untainted devotee.
“I did not go privately or secretly. As a minister, I went in my official vehicle accompanied by my gunm*n. At that time, I had three gunm*n. I asked all three. If I had gone more than once, why would I hide it? My gunm*n confirmed I went for one function. Only today, after seeing it on a channel, did I realize it was a ceremony related to Potti’s father. I arrived after the ceremony. It shows some gift being given, but I did not purchase it; it’s likely something that was kept there and handed over. Raju Abraham was also present. How can one remember something that happened eight years ago?” he elaborated, defending his limited interaction with Potti.
Surendran emphasized that until the news broke in 2025, he viewed Potti as an individual without any blemish. He added that Potti’s behavior and interactions with him were always respectful. Therefore, he asserted that even if it were claimed he visited Potti’s house nine times, it would not be an issue for him. The former Devaswom Minister also mentioned that he had encountered Potti every time he visited Sabarimala.