Satheesan Dodges Questions on Unnikrishnan Potty’s Visits to Sonia Gandhi

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Opposition leader V. D. Satheesan sidestepped questions regarding the visit of Unnikrishnan Potty and Govardhan, accused in the Sabarimala gold smuggling case, to Sonia Gandhi's residence. When asked who had arranged for Potty to meet the Congress leader, Satheesan did not provide a direct answer. Instead, he dismissed the inquiry by saying, "What’s the issue if someone arranges an appointment? Is it wrong for someone to be an accused in a case?"

Satheesan further downplayed the matter, asserting, "Many people meet Sonia Gandhi, and questions like these are unnecessary." He added that Potty, like many others, would have met various individuals, implying that these visits were of no special significance. Despite his comments, Satheesan refrained from addressing any allegations related to the Congress party.

Earlier, Unnikrishnan Potty had revealed to a special investigation team that he met Sonia Gandhi, accompanied by Adoor Prakash. During questioning on Wednesday, Potty confirmed visiting Sonia in Delhi, though the investigation team has stated that they cannot disclose further details at this stage due to potential repercussions for the ongoing case.

While Sonia Gandhi was Congress President, both Potty and Govardhan reportedly visited her residence multiple times. These visits were said to have been facilitated by Congress MPs such as Anto Antony and Adoor Prakash. Potty had been appointed as a priest at Sabarimala in 2004 by the UDF government, with the support of Congress leaders Priyar Gopalakrishnan, the then-Devaswom Board President, and Ajay Tharayil.