The CPI(M), which follows violent politics, cannot be an alternative to the BJP, Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala has said.

Addressing the UDF Lok Sabha election convention here on Tuesday, he alleged that the CPI(M) was protecting the real killers of the Congress workers in Kasaragod using its political clout.

“The CPI(M), which contests only in Kerala cannot be an alternative for the BJP. Each vote to the CPI(M) will benefit the BJP. Only the Congress can be an alternative to the BJP. The Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi are leading the secular democratic forces in the country,” he said. He said that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were birds of the same feather. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the ‘chowkidar’ of Adani and Ambani but not the country, he added.

Conditions were favourable for the UDF in the state, Mr. Chennithala said. The Congress tradition of Thrissur and blessings of senior leaders K. Karunakaran and C.N. Balakrishnan will benefit Congress candidate T.N. Prathapan, he said.

Mr. Prathapan, Chalakudy candidate Benny Behanan and Alathur candidate Ramya Haridas participated in the convention. UDF convener Joseph Challisery presided over the meeting.