The election committee office of former CPI-M leader V. Kunjikrishnan, now contesting as an Independent supported by the Congress-led UDF in Payyannur, was closed on Saturday due to reported threats from local CPI-M workers to the landowner. The office, located at Kothayi Mukk, was dismantled after the owner cited pressure as the reason.
Kunjikrishnan and his supporters claimed that the landowner was warned of serious repercussions if the premises continued to be used for campaign purposes. They mentioned that the owner had been explicitly instructed not to rent out space for the rebel candidate’s office.
According to Kunjikrishnan, the owner requested them to vacate the premises after facing threats. To prevent any inconvenience to the owner, they decided to dismantle the office. Kunjikrishnan criticized the incident as an attack on democratic processes, alleging a deliberate effort to suppress dissent.
The situation arose following Kunjikrishnan’s recent fallout with the CPI-M, escalating tensions in the region. A prominent local leader in Payyannur, Kunjikrishnan had stirred controversy by alleging financial irregularities in funds meant for a party martyr, leading to his expulsion from the party. He further claimed intimidation tactics by alleged CPI-M workers, including gatherings outside his home and slogans being shouted.
