BJP caught in alleged food kit distribution row in Thrissur

Thrissur: Tension prevailed in Vadanappally, part of Manalur constituency in the district, on Sunday following protests by Congress workers alleging that BJP was preparing food kits to distribute to voters.Congress protesters led by T N Prathapan, UDF candidate in Manalur, alleged that nearly 4,000 food kits were being prepared in a godown at Vadanappally, with the godown owner staying upstairs. Protesters alleged that the presence of BJP leaders, including state vice-president Devan, in the owner's house was suspicious. They alleged that Devan had arrived there to distribute kits. However, Devan and other BJP leaders said UDF and LDF were raking up these allegations fearing a poll debacle.Congress activists said when they asked godown staff, they said the kits were being prepared for an NGO. However, when contacted, the NGO, office-bearers weren't aware of it. UDF activists, including Pratapan, then launched a blockade in front of the godown, preventing Devan and other BJP leaders from coming out.LDF leaders, led by the front candidate in the constituency C Ravindranath, also arrived at the scene and said BJP's alleged kit distribution was highly objectionable. They said they would arrange strong protests. However, Ravindranath and LDF activists left after some time, while UDF workers continued their protests. They demanded that the kits be seized and the godown owner, the person who ordered the kits and Devan be detained. Police and election officials also arrived at the scene.Meanwhile, BJP activists too gathered there, shouting slogans supporting their party leaders. On a couple of occasions, both sides clashed.A Sashastra Seema Bal battalion too arrived at the spot. Police took the godown owner and the person, who ordered for kits, into preventive custody. Election officials seized the food kits and handed them over to police.Election officials then held a discussion with representatives of all three fronts to ease tension. When Prathapan and other UDF activists continued the blockade, police arrested and removed them from the area. They were later let off.A report was submitted in court and an FIR may be registered after court sanction on Monday as it was an election-related incident, police said.Meanwhile, Thrissur West police registered a case in the alleged distribution of kits by BJP activists at Olari on Saturday evening. The case was registered under provisions of both BNS and People's Representation Act.