UDF rebuilds wall ‘razed’ by CPM

Kozhikode: Payyannur MLA-elect V Kunhikrishnan on Sunday inaugurated the reconstruction of a compound wall that was demolished allegedly by CPM workers after an election campaign message supporting him was written on it.The wall belonged to K P Rekha at Karamel in Payyannur. Slogans seeking votes for Kunhikrishnan were painted on the wall during the campaign. The wall was allegedly brought down overnight, on polling day, following political tension in the area.UDF supporters carried out the reconstruction work, fulfilling a promise Kunhikrishnan made to the landowner during campaign. Supporters also distributed payasam to those who attended the function."CPM had resorted to widespread destruction of our campaign material. The wall was demolished merely because our election message was written on it. At Annoor too, our graffiti was erased and replaced with CPM's campaign message. It reflects their attitude towards democracy," Kunhikrishnan said.He alleged that UDF posters and boards were destroyed on the very day they were put up and claimed that even efforts to open an election committee office were obstructed by intimidating the landowner."We carried out only a limited campaign. Even then, our campaign materials were systematically targeted," he said.Kunhikrishnan said the situation remained relatively peaceful after the election results because of the change of govt and the realization that political workers would no longer enjoy unquestioned police support.Earlier, when the motorcycle of Kunhikrishnan supporter Prasannan was allegedly set on fire, Jagratha Collective in Payyannur launched a "Rs 10 challenge" campaign and raised funds to buy him a new two-wheeler.