Political tensions in Kerala have surged as the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) intensifies its criticism of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)). The controversy revolves around a social media post that emerged before the Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency elections, referring to Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate K K Shailaja as a “kafir” (non-believer) and UDF candidate Shafi Parambil as a “Muslim” who prays five times a day.
A recent police report submitted to the Kerala High Court has suggested that pro-left groups were involved in the dissemination of the controversial post. This report has led to significant embarrassment for the Left, which had previously accused the UDF of initiating the smear campaign.
The report indicates that the post first appeared in a WhatsApp group named ‘Red Encounters’ and was subsequently shared on a Facebook page called “Ambadimukku Sakhakkal.” It identified Wahab as the individual behind the pro-left page ‘Porali Shaji,’ according to Mathrubhumi.
Congress Accuses CPI(M) of Communal Campaign Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan has accused the CPI(M) of orchestrating a communal campaign to influence voters along religious lines. Satheesan alleged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who also oversees the Home Department, is shielding those responsible for the post. He criticized Vijayan for claiming ignorance about the police affidavit and noted that the officer who filed it had been transferred.
Satheesan claimed that the Kerala police had identified the origins and distribution of the post, implicating CPI(M) handles, leaders, and activists in the conspiracy.
CPI(M) Denies Allegations, Calls for Investigation In response, CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan labeled the UDF’s accusations as “obscene and communal.” Govindan argued that the post should not be viewed in isolation, asserting that the UDF had conducted derogatory campaigns against K K Shailaja before the controversial post surfaced.
Govindan noted that several Congress and Muslim League workers had been arrested in connection with these campaigns and denied any association with social media groups like ‘Porali Shaji,’ which he claimed were falsely linked to the Left. He called for a thorough police investigation into the matter.
Election Fallout K K Shailaja, who was defeated by Shafi Parambil in the Vadakara LS polls, expressed skepticism about the involvement of Left party members in the campaign, suggesting it aimed to harm their front during the elections.
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