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CPI-M Rebel Kunjikrishnan Alleges Bogus Voters in Kerala's Payyannur

Independent candidate V. Kunjikrishnan has filed a formal complaint with election authorities alleging serious irregularities in the Payyannur constituency's voter list, including names of deceased persons and fake voter IDs. The former CPI-M functionary accused Booth Level Officers of failing to purge ineligible names, suggesting some acted with political bias. His candidacy, backed by the UDF after a bitter fallout with the CPI-M, sets up a direct contest against sitting MLA T.I. Madhusoodhan. The allegations have turned this Kannur seat into a high-stakes battleground highlighting issues of electoral integrity and internal party rebellion.

Key Points: Kerala Polls: Independent Candidate Files Bogus Voter Complaint

  • Complaint alleges large-scale electoral roll irregularities
  • Names of deceased, absent voters not removed
  • Accuses BLOs of bias enabling fraud
  • Independent candidate backed by UDF against CPI-M MLA
2 min read

Kerala polls: CPI-M rebel-turned-Independent candidate Kunjikrishnan complains to EC about bogus voters

Ex-CPI-M leader Kunjikrishnan complains to EC about deceased & fake names on voter list in Payyannur, warns of legal action.

"The process must be made genuinely free and fair. - V. Kunjikrishnan"

Payyannur, April 6

In the runup to the Kerala Assembly polls on Thursday, the Payyannur constituency in Kannur district has emerged as a politically charged battleground, marked by rebellion, allegations of electoral malpractice, and a high-stakes contest between former allies.

Independent candidate V. Kunjikrishnan, once a loyal CPI-M functionary and a member of its powerful Kannur district committee, has lodged a formal complaint with the District Election Officer alleging large-scale irregularities in the electoral roll.

He has claimed that the names of deceased persons and those no longer residing in the constituency continue to remain on the voters' list, raising concerns over possible bogus voting.

In his complaint, Kunjikrishnan alleged lapses on the part of Booth Level Officers (BLOs), accusing them of failing to remove ineligible names.

He further charged that certain BLOs, allegedly influenced by Left sympathies, had enabled the retention of such names, facilitating fraudulent voting practices.

The complaint also points to the alleged creation of fake voter ID cards at clandestine centres in and around Payyannur.

Kunjikrishnan, who compiled a list of such voters before filing the complaint, has warned that he will approach the courts if any votes are found to have been cast in the names of deceased or absent individuals.

Stressing the need for electoral integrity, he said the process must be made genuinely free and fair.

The political significance of his candidature adds further intrigue to the contest.

Kunjikrishnan was ousted from the CPI-M after he raised allegations related to a martyrs' fund collection, leading to a bitter fallout with the party leadership.

His entry into the fray has been bolstered by the United Democratic Front (UDF), with senior leader and RSP veteran Shibu Baby John stepping in to offer support and effectively ceding the party's space in Payyannur to him.

This has set the stage for a direct and intense battle between Kunjikrishnan and sitting CPI-M MLA T.I. Madhusoodhan, who had secured a record victory margin of over 49,000 votes in the 2021 election.

What was once a stronghold of party unity has now turned into a contest of personal and political rivalry.

As polling day approaches, Payyannur stands as a microcosm of Kerala's shifting political equations where rebellion within ranks, opposition strategy, and allegations of malpractice converge in a fiercely fought electoral showdown.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Kannur's politics is always so intense! But this issue of bogus voters isn't just a local problem. We hear about it in many constituencies. The Booth Level Officers need to be held accountable. Their job is crucial for clean elections.
S
Suresh O
While the complaint is valid, one must also see the timing. A rebel candidate making these claims just before polling day? It could also be a political strategy to create doubt. The EC should investigate impartially.
M
Meera T
The UDF supporting him makes this very interesting. It shows how alliances shift in Kerala politics. But beyond the drama, the core issue is electoral integrity. Fake voter IDs? That's shocking and must be stopped. 🙏
D
David E
Following Indian elections from abroad. This kind of reporting on specific constituency-level issues is crucial. It shows the real challenges on the ground. Hope the authorities ensure a free and fair process.
A
Anjali F
As a voter, this is frustrating. We do our duty by voting, but if the list itself is faulty, what's the point? The EC needs to use technology better to clean the rolls every year. This shouldn't be a last-minute issue before every election.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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