Kerala: CPM accused of intimidation and ‘politics of savagery’ in Kannur

Opposition Leader in the Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan, on Sunday strongly criticised the CPM for allegedly threatening opposition candidates in the upcoming local body elections in Kannur district.

In a statement issued here on Sunday, Satheesan said the CPM is practising a “politics of barbarity” in Kannur, where it does not allow rival candidates or opposing political activity.

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He alleged that CPM candidates are celebrating victory even before polling by “slaughtering democracy.” According to him, the celebrations reflect the “filth of a party” that uses hooliganism and intimidation to eliminate political competition.

He further said that Pinarayi Vijayan and M.V. Govindan, who do not permit democracy and freedom even in their own district and wards, are ironically conducting anti-fascist classes.

Satheesan claimed that the CPM in Kerala is now functioning in a more anti-democratic and mafia-like manner than it did in Bengal during its final years in power.

“Pinarayi Vijayan and M.V. Govindan, who deny democracy and freedom in their panchayats, wards and district, are taking anti-fascist classes. What greater insult to democracy can there be? The CPM should not forget that even in Bengal and Tripura there were stronger party villages. Yet today, CPM is operating in Kerala in a more anti-democratic and mafia-like manner than ever before,” Satheesan said.

Satheesan also alleged that a section of election officials attempted to reject the nomination papers of UDF candidates.

“A group of election officials behaved like a CPM faction, working to illegally reject UDF nominations during scrutiny. This was evident in Malapattom, Kannapuram and Anthoor in Kannur district, where CPM’s criminal gangs threatened opposition candidates,” he said.

The Congress-led UDF has accused the CPM of using intimidation tactics to force rival candidates out of the local body polls. One Congress candidate’s nomination in Malapattam Panchayat was rejected following alleged threats and commotion created by around 50 CPM workers inside the Returning Officer’s chamber.

Congress Kannur District President Martin George said on Saturday that the UDF was unable to file nomination papers in two divisions of Anthoor Municipality due to threats from CPM workers. He also alleged that CPM activists kidnapped UDF candidate Livya, who was contesting from the 5th Peedika ward in Anthoor Municipality.

George added that it was improper for the Returning Officer to reject the nomination of UDF candidate Nithyasree in Malapattam Ward 12 on grounds of alleged forged signatures. He said Nithyasree had submitted her papers in person and was present again during scrutiny. He alleged that her nomination was rejected despite her presence, and that the Kannur Collector was favouring the CPM.

After the scrutiny of nomination papers for local body elections was completed, CPM-led LDF candidates were elected unopposed in nine wards/divisions in Kannur district.