Adoor Prakash Admits Multiple Meetings with Potty, Cites Voter in His Constituency as Reason

New Delhi: Congress MP Adoor Prakash has admitted meeting Unnikrishnan Potty multiple times, both inside and outside Kerala, but his explanations for these meetings appear weak and unconvincing. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, he tried to justify the interactions as part of his role as an MP and because Potty was a voter in his assembly constituency, an explanation that does little to clarify the frequency or circumstances of these meetings.

Adoor Prakash said he first met Potty in 2019, shortly after assuming office as the MP for Attingal. He claimed Potty had invited him to an Annadanam event at Sabarimala, which he accepted. He also admitted visiting Potty’s home when his father passed away, following information from Congress workers. In addition, he visited Potty’s sister’s house along with KPCC general secretary Ramani P Nair, informing her in advance. He stated that the only gift he received from Potty was a few packets of dates.

When asked why he had not admitted earlier to meeting Potty several times, Adoor Prakash said he had only responded to the questions posed to him. Attempting to justify his repeated visits, he insisted that all meetings were because Potty was a voter in his constituency. This reasoning appears unconvincing given the number and nature of his interactions.

Adoor Prakash also admitted accompanying Potty to meet Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. He said Potty requested his presence as the local MP after securing an appointment. He did not clearly explain who arranged the appointment or why he personally accompanied Potty, leaving significant gaps in his account. It is evident that the appointment was facilitated by Sonia Gandhi’s PA, Madhavan. When asked how Potty met Sonia Gandhi multiple times despite Kerala Congress leaders being denied appointments, Adoor Prakash refused to comment.

Regarding a meeting in Bengaluru, he said Potty visited him there and gifted him packets of dates. During the same visit, Potty handed over a letter, which was an invitation to his sister’s wedding. He claimed he did not anticipate that Potty would later become accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case. Adoor Prakash mentioned visiting Potty again when Potty was handing over keys to a house he had built, and also visited a temple. After learning about the gold theft case, he said he stopped visiting Potty’s residence.

When reporters cited a witness claiming he frequently visited Potty’s home, Adoor Prakash dismissed it as an attempt to harass him, calling the allegation fabricated both within and outside the party. He also said he does not know Ramesh Rao.

Despite acknowledging multiple visits and interactions, Adoor Prakash’s explanations remain selective and incomplete, leaving unanswered questions about his judgement and transparency in dealing with someone who would later become an accused in a high-profile case.