Kozhikode: Former prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao was behind the unceremonious exit of the then chief minister K. Karunakaran after his name was dragged into the ISRO espionage case, alleged his son and Congress leader K. Muraleedharan here on Monday. He also doubted that Rao played a significant role in the defeat of Karunakaran from Thrissur in the Lok Sabha elections following his resignation. He was addressing a gathering after receiving the first copy of Sabotaged ISRO Case written by journalist Rajan Cherukad.
“It was Karunakaran who raised Narasimha Rao to the PM post after Rajeev Gandhi’s death. However, his rule was marred with many issues including controversial stockbroker Harshad Mehta’s allegation that he gave Rs one crore to Rao at PM’s residence. Muslim community kept a distance after Babri Masjid demolition. Karunakaran spoke openly against these blunders and that led Rao to ploy against my father,” Muraleedharan alleged.
“It was after this defeat that my father was forced to change his Assembly constituency to Vattiyoorkkavu and worked there. The actual reasons behind the ISRO espionage case should come to light and I will extend all help to anyone who is attempting to do that. Nobody should ever have the fate of my father who was harassed alleging treason,” added Mr Muraleedharan. He lamented that all officials who were involved in the case retired in good posts, but Karunakaran was left behind and did not get back whatever he lost. Historian Dr M.G.S. Narayanan released the book. Kozhikode North MLA A. Pradeep Kumar presided over the function.
