Independent candidate alleges death threat from CPI(M) leader in Palakkad

Palakkad (Kerala), Nov 23 (PTI) A CPI(M) worker, contesting as an independent candidate in the upcoming local body elections, alleged on Sunday that he received a death threat from a party leader here.

The allegation was made by V R Ramakrishnan, who is contesting as an independent candidate from a ward in the Agali panchayat.

Ramakrishnan said he had been a CPI(M) worker for over 40 years but decided to contest independently due to alleged corruption and mismanagement by local party leaders.

He also released an audio recording of a purported phone conversation with CPI(M) local committee secretary Jamsheer on Saturday, following the acceptance of his nomination by the Returning Officer.

In the audio, a person claiming to be Jamsheer is heard warning Ramakrishnan to withdraw his nomination and not contest the election.

When Ramakrishnan questioned the consequences of continuing, Jamsheer allegedly replied that they "would be forced to kill" him.

The threat was reportedly repeated when Ramakrishnan asked again.

"From the day I decided to contest the election, CPI(M) leaders have been pressuring me not to file my nomination. Marxist goondaism is happening here to prevent honest work," Ramakrishnan alleged.

CPI(M) Palakkad district secretary E N Suresh Babu said such behaviour should not occur from any party leader.

He added that LDF workers are expected to exercise caution in their conduct during elections.

Suresh Babu also said the party regularly examines such matters and claimed that fake allegations were being circulated to target the LDF.

The local body elections in the state will be held in two phases, on December 9 and 11.

Polling in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Idukki, and Ernakulam districts will be held on December 9.

Voters in Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts will cast their votes on December 11. PTI TBA SSK