Three-time legislator Ayisha Potty has responded strongly to the CPI(M)’s accusations of being a “class traitor” for switching to the Congress. She questioned the party’s use of labels, highlighting leaders like P. Sarin and Shobhana George who had previously moved from Congress to CPI(M).
Potty, who officially joined the Congress on Tuesday, refuted claims of betrayal by Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal. She pointed out that several development projects she initiated were left incomplete despite her efforts and discussions with the minister.
Having served as a legislator from Kottarakara since 2006, Potty expressed disappointment at not being renominated in 2021. She emphasized feeling marginalized by being excluded from programs she had launched, now labeled as ideological betrayal.
The CPI(M) dismissed Potty’s grievances, attributing her departure to political ambitions. Party General Secretary M.A. Baby highlighted her past roles as an MLA and District Panchayat President, refuting claims of sidelining her and downplaying the impact of her exit on electoral outcomes.
The Congress, on the other hand, is positioning Potty as a significant asset in Kottarakkara, leveraging her popularity among women and community groups to potentially sway the electoral balance in a constituency the UDF has struggled to win for nearly two decades.
