Thiruvananthapuram, April 3 – The political row over alleged communal campaigning in Perambra escalated on Friday, with Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan accusing the CPI-M of using a "repeat strategy" to polarize voters, drawing parallels with the controversial "kafir screenshot" episode in Vadakara during the Lok Sabha elections.
Satheesan alleged that the campaign targeting UDF candidate Fathima Thahliya was not an isolated incident but part of a calculated attempt by the ruling front to create communal divisions.
He claimed that similar tactics were used earlier with the knowledge of senior CPI-M leaders, but investigations failed to hold anyone accountable despite what he described as "clear evidence."
The Opposition leader also criticized the state police, alleging that the previous case related to the "kafir screenshot" was closed due to an inability to identify the accused, even though CPI-M and DYFI functionaries were under suspicion.
He suggested that this indicated a systemic reluctance to pursue cases with political implications.
Framing the controversy within the broader electoral context, Satheesan said the CPI-M was resorting to "desperate measures" in the face of growing public opposition to the Pinarayi Vijayan government.
He accused the ruling party of attempting to manipulate religious sentiments and create polarization as a means to deflect public anger over governance issues.
"Trying to divide society along communal lines will not help the CPI-M escape the growing public resentment," he said, adding that there was a widespread sentiment across Kerala to remove what he termed an anti-people government.
Satheesan called on the Election Commission to intervene decisively, urging immediate and stringent action against those responsible for the alleged campaign.
He warned that failure to act firmly could embolden further attempts to inject communal narratives into the electoral discourse.
With the Perambra controversy already triggering sharp exchanges between the LDF and UDF, Satheesan's intervention is likely to intensify the political heat, turning the issue into a key flashpoint in the run-up to the polls.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has issued notices to both Ramakrishnan — the Left candidate — and Fathima Thahliya. Kerala goes to the polls on April 9 to elect 140 new legislators.