Palakkad Bypoll: CPI(M) Sparks Controversy With Targeted Ads On BJP Leader Turned Congressman

The advertisements sought support for CPI(M)-backed independent candidate Dr P Sarin, portraying a "Sarin Wave" while criticizing Warrier.

Warrier, a former BJP leader with significant influence in Palakkad, joined the Congress last Saturday in a high-profile event attended by senior party leaders.

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On the eve of the crucial bypoll in Kerala's Palakkad Assembly constituency, the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) stirred a controversy by publishing election advertisements targeting former BJP leader Sandeep Warrier, who recently joined the Congress. The ads, which appeared in two newspapers—Suprabatham and Siraj, both associated with Muslim organizations—highlighted Warrier’s alleged anti-minority remarks and past social media posts.

The advertisements sought support for CPI(M)-backed independent candidate Dr P Sarin, portraying a "Sarin Wave" while criticizing Warrier, as per a report on The Indian Express. The Congress candidate in the constituency, Rahul Mamkootathil, has filed a complaint with the Election Commission, calling the move a deliberate attempt to communalize the election atmosphere.

Congress leader and Opposition Leader VD Satheesan strongly condemned the CPI(M)’s strategy, accusing them of playing "dirty politics" by selectively targeting Warrier in newspapers with significant Muslim readership while avoiding their own party publication, Deshabhimani, as per IANS. Satheesan remarked, "This tactic aims to exploit communal sentiments and shows desperation."

State Minister MB Rajesh defended the move, asserting that the Left places advertisements across various publications and denied allegations of communal targeting.

Warrier, a former BJP leader with significant influence in Palakkad, joined the Congress last Saturday in a high-profile event attended by senior party leaders. He described the advertisements as a smear campaign and stated he would consult party leadership before taking further action.

Meanwhile, Shafi Parambil, a senior Congress leader and four-time MLA from Palakkad, criticised the CPI(M)’s approach, recalling similar tactics used in Vadakara, which he claimed backfired. "They haven't learned their lesson and are resorting to the same communal politics in Palakkad," he said, as per the report.

The controversy over the ads has added a new dimension to the bypoll, where Muslim voters account for nearly 20% of the electorate, making their support crucial in deciding the outcome.