Viral Video Sparks Outrage Over CPI(M) Veteran's Claims
Alappuzha, Kerala, May 15: A storm has erupted in Kerala’s political landscape after a video allegedly showing senior CPI(M) leader and former state minister G Sudhakaran admitting to tampering with postal ballots during the 1989 Lok Sabha elections went viral on social media.In the purported video, Sudhakaran is heard making explosive claims at a recent event hosted by a CPI(M)-backed NGO union. He reportedly warned members not to assume their votes could remain confidential, saying, “We will unseal them, verify, and correct them.” He added, “Even if a case is filed against me for saying this, I don't mind.”
Claims of Ballot Unsealing to Track Votes
According to the video, Sudhakaran stated that postal ballots submitted by members of the NGO union were unsealed at the district committee office to identify those who voted for opposition candidates during the 1989 elections in Alappuzha.He specifically cited the example of KSTA (Kerala School Teachers Association) leader K V Devadas, who had contested that year against Congress leader Vakkam Purushothaman. “It was found that 15 per cent had voted for the opposing candidate. Patching up what's broken isn't difficult,” he reportedly said.
Discrepancy in Vote Margin
While Sudhakaran claimed Devadas lost by 18,000 votes, official records from the Election Commission indicate a wider margin. Purushothaman had secured 3,75,763 votes compared to Devadas’ 3,50,640 — a difference of 25,123 votes, which constituted 3.36 per cent of the total valid votes.Unclear Role and No Official Response Yet
It remains uncertain from the video whether Sudhakaran or his associates personally conducted the alleged unsealing and inspection of postal ballots. As of now, neither Sudhakaran nor the CPI(M) has issued any formal response to the controversy triggered by the viral video.The revelations, if verified, could have serious implications for electoral integrity and party accountability, especially as the state gears up for future elections.