Kerala polls: BJP & CPM attempting to influence voters using money and kits, says V D Satheesan

KOCHI/KOTTAYAM: Opposition leader V D Satheesan on Wednesday accused BJP and CPM of subverting democratic norms through money, kits and political propaganda. He said UDF will take legal action against BJP's Palakkad candidate, while expressing confidence that UDF's Ramesh Pisharody will win by a comfortable margin. "Widespread attempts are being made by BJP and CPM to sway voters. Congress released a video showing a BJP worker in Palakkad distributing money in the presence of their candidate. BJP is distributing saris and cash, introducing a corrupt culture previously unseen in Kerala," said Satheesan in Paravur. He did not spare CPM and cited a specific incident in Adoor, where LDF distributed leaflets falsely labelling UDF candidate as a murder accused. "The candidate was forced to address the media in tears because of baseless lies," he added. Satheesan predicted a UDF victory, saying the public would decisively reject the ‘undemocratic tactics' of LDF and BJP. "No amount of kits or fake leaflets can blind the people of Kerala to the truth," he added. In Kottayam, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal asked Election Commission (EC) to act on the cash-for-vote case in Palakkad. Visiting the family of a farmer who committed suicide in Vaikom on Wednesday, he said giving money to influence voters is a grave violation of election rules. "Despite BJP openly distributing money in Palakkad, what is the EC doing? BJP's money power is visible throughout Kerala. It is common for BJP to give money to rig elections," added Venugopal. He noted that this trend was seen in Alappuzha and in other constituencies where BJP fancies its chances. "Where is the Election Commission in Kerala? Today, only UDF adhered to Election Commission's directive not to air election advertisements on TV and online media. Advertisements from LDF and BJP are appearing on TV and online. What is the Election Commission doing about this?" he asked. He reiterated that CPM is producing fake identity cards in Kannur and Kasaragod for bogus voting. "In many places in Kannur, including Cheemeni, fake cards are being printed. EC has been informed. It is their responsibility to investigate and take action," Venugopal said.