Thiruvananthapuram, April 11 Senior Congress leader V D Satheesan on Saturday alleged that the CPI(M) has unleashed "widespread violence" in Kannur, a politically volatile northern district, following the April 9 Assembly elections.
He also claimed that the ruling party is set to suffer heavy losses.
In a statement, Satheesan urged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to intervene immediately to stop the alleged violence and control what he described as "criminal gangs".
He also called upon the Election Commission to intervene urgently to ensure effective police action to curb the incidents.
The opposition leader alleged that CPI(M) workers were involved in violent attacks in areas including Payyannur, Mayyil and Taliparamba in Kannur district.
He claimed that in Payyannur, the house of T Purushothaman, who supported an independent candidate backed by the UDF, and CPI(M) dissident V Kunhikrishnan were attacked and his car set on fire. Several houses were also targeted in Payyannur and Mayyil, he added.
Satheesan further alleged that even wall writings in support of Kunhikrishnan were destroyed and that wreaths were placed in front of the houses of his supporters. He also accused CPI(M) workers of vandalising a Congress office in the area.
Describing the incidents as acts of "intolerance and fear", he alleged that the CPI(M) in Kannur has turned into a "criminal group" that cannot even tolerate wall writing.
He also criticised the CPI(M) state and district leadership for not condemning the violence so far, alleging that the attacks were carried out with the knowledge of the leadership.
The opposition leader further claimed that crude methods, such as the use of itching powder against UDF booth agents, were reported from Dharmadam, the constituency of the chief minister.
Similar incidents were also alleged from Nadapuram, Perambra, Tanur, Kattakkada and Nemom, he said, adding that there appeared to be a coordinated pattern to the attacks.
Satheesan said attempts to disrupt law and order by unleashing violent elements cannot be accepted and demanded immediate action to restore peace.
