Congress General Secretary and MP K. C. Venugopal accused the CPI-M leadership of supporting the production of counterfeit Aadhaar cards in Payyannur, Kerala, to enable fraudulent voting as the party faces likely defeat in the state elections. Venugopal highlighted suspicious activities in Payyannur and Taliparamba, indicating a revival of old tactics by the CPI-M out of fear of losing. The alleged activities, reportedly orchestrated from a CPI-M office in Payyannur, involve duplicating votes from Kalliasseri to facilitate double voting through fake Aadhaar cards.
Venugopal raised concerns that these actions, which undermine democracy, are being conducted with the knowledge and approval of senior CPI-M leaders. A formal complaint has been lodged with the Election Commission by the concerned candidate, urging swift and serious action on the matter. In addition to the electoral malpractice, Venugopal also criticized the CPI-M for resorting to violence and intimidation tactics in various locations, including Palakkad and Thrikkaripur, targeting opposition candidates and their supporters.
The Congress leader further alleged instances of vandalism, obstruction, and threats, emphasizing the intimidation tactics employed by the CPI-M against dissenting voices. Despite the alleged strategies employed by the LDF, Venugopal expressed confidence that the ruling party would not secure victory in the upcoming elections, even suggesting a lack of support from traditional CPI-M voters. He also criticized Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for divisive politics, misinformation dissemination, and personal attacks on political opponents.
Referring to recent incidents involving Sudhakaran, Venugopal called out the CPI-M for engaging in communal appeasement politics, labeling it as a significant campaign issue. He condemned the reported communal campaign against a female candidate in Perambra, accusing the CPI-M of surpassing openly communal parties in their actions. Venugopal also highlighted alleged financial irregularities and corruption in the procurement of medicines during the Covid period under the Vijayan government, questioning the lack of accountability and scrutiny in these matters.
The Congress leader concluded by pointing out the alleged repercussions faced by critics of the government, citing an incident in Kollam where a journalist was reportedly targeted by CPI-M supporters for questioning the Chief Minister’s decisions.
