Alappuzha (Kerala) | Former CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran, contesting as a UDF-backed Independent, on Saturday alleged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's cabinet colleague Saji Cherian had struck a deal with the BJP.

Addressing an election rally here, Sudhakaran dismissed claims that Vijayan had helped his political career.

He said that when he began his political journey, Vijayan was not widely known in the Travancore region.

"In 1967, nobody had seen Vijayan or knew him. He was only a leader in Thalassery in Kannur," he said.

Sudhakaran said he had been in the party since the age of 15 and did not rise due to Vijayan's support.

He also rejected allegations that he had neglected the legacy of his brother, G Bhuvaneswaran, by contesting election with UDF support.

"For Bhuvaneswaran's case, no money was given by people under Vijayan's leadership. We sold trees for it," he said.

Sudhakaran lost his younger brother Bhuvaneswaran in an alleged political clash with Congress' students outfit Kerala Students Union (KSU) during 1970s.

Sudhakaran denied LDF allegations that he had a "deal" in Ambalapuzha, where he is contesting for April 9 Assembly polls.

"In my life, in any election, I have never held discussions with the BJP and will not do so. But Saji Cherian, the right hand of Vijayan and a district and state secretariat member, has made deals with the BJP," he alleged.

Fisheries Minister Cherian is contesting the election from the Chengannur seat in Alappuzha district.

He claimed that in 10 panchayats under the Chengannur constituency, seven were earlier headed by CPI(M) presidents.

"After the local body elections, CPI(M) has only two panchayat presidents, while the BJP has five, contributed by Cherian," he alleged.

Sudhakaran claimed that Cherian's alleged deal was aimed at securing BJP votes in the Assembly election in return.

He further alleged that if Cherian's alleged corruption was highlighted during the campaign, he would lose in the Chengannur constituency.

"Cherian's area has become a hub of sand mafia and real estate businesses. They have amassed assets worth crores," he alleged.