Kottayam: The BJP in Kerala has landed itself in a soup amidst reports of one of its leaders involved in a bribery scandal.

The issue relates to BJP co-operation cell convenor R S Vinod allegedly taking Rs 5.6 crore as bribe from one R Shaji of SR College in Varkala for getting the Medical Council of India’s clearance to start a medical college.

The party had set up a two-member committee consisting of KP Sreeshan and AK Nazeer to probe into the matter some days ago. The committee has confirmed the charges and submitted the report to BJP State chief Kummanam Rajashekharan who has forwarded it to the central leadership.

There is also mention of party leader MT Ramesh’s hand in the deal.

The matter has also dismayed its key ally in the State BDJS representing the Ezhava community which forms the backbone of the communist parties in the State. There had been a flow of members from the community into the BJP fold over the last two years after the association of the two parties which sent shock waves across the Left parties.

Failure to convince BJDS on the issue may cost heavily for the BJP in the coming elections.