Kozhikode (Kerala) | IUML State General Secretary P M A Salam on Saturday said the CPI(M) was in "panic mode" fearing defeat in the state Assembly elections.

He was responding to reporters over recent allegations by the CPI(M) that the UDF had entered into a deal with the BJP in the Kuttiady and Nadapuram constituencies.

"Such allegations from the CPI(M) reflect that they have accepted their defeat in the election. They realised this several days after polling. Feedback from their grassroots workers confirms that they are heading for a severe defeat," Salam said.

Polling for the 140-member Kerala Assembly was held on April 9, and counting of votes will take place on May 4.

The IUML is a key constituent of the Congress-led UDF.

Salam said the CPI(M)'s allegations should be viewed as an attempt to secure "anticipatory bail" for its expected defeat.

"Throughout the election, we saw an unholy nexus between the CPI(M) and the BJP. Earlier, they maintained a back-channel relationship, but this time the direct deal was evident. They want a Congress-mukt Bharat, and the evidence is before us," he alleged.

Salam also said discussions within the Congress over the chief ministerial candidate were natural in a democratic party.

Meanwhile, IUML leader Parakkal Abdulla, who contested from Kuttiady, rejected the allegation of any understanding with the BJP as claimed by CPI(M) State Secretary M V Govindan.

"Earlier, the CPI(M) claimed that Congress MP Shafi Parambil and I promote terrorism and communalism. Now they say we have a deal with the BJP. How is that possible? They should stick to one stand," he said.

Abdulla alleged that the CPI(M) had made a deal with the BJP and asserted that such allegations would not affect his electoral prospects.