Palakkad cash-for-votes row: Congress releases fresh visuals, challenges Sobha Surendran’s version

Palakkad: The Congress released fresh visuals implicating BJP Palakkad candidate Sobha Surendran in a cash-for-votes row. The visuals were released after Sobha had claimed that only she and her aide Prameela Sasidharan were in her vehicle. In the footage, a woman can be seen in the back seat as Sobha quickly closes the door while the woman attempts to leave, contradicting her earlier claim.

The Congress identified the woman as ‘Simi Sajeev’, a BJP worker reportedly operating from Mumbai. Party sources allege Sobha deliberately tried to prevent her exit when the vehicle was stopped, saying the visuals “strengthen allegations of a cash-for-votes scheme.” Additional images show Simi participating in recent BJP campaign events in Palakkad, including a rally in Kannadi attended by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Sobha Surendran’s election celebrations.

Election Commission investigates, voter denies cash

Following the allegations, the Election Commission’s flying squad visited the home of an elderly voter who was reportedly offered money. The voter told the squad she had not received any cash. The team submitted a preliminary report to the district collector after on-site verification. Investigations are continuing to determine whether election rules were violated.

Sobha files complaint amid tense contest

In response, Sobha Surendran lodged a police complaint, alleging misbehaviour by Congress workers. She insists that no one else was unnecessarily in her vehicle and claims the allegations are part of a plot targeting the BJP. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. Based on the district collector’s report, Palakkad South police may register a case, with a detailed submission to the Election Commission expected shortly.

The Palakkad Assembly constituency is witnessing a keen triangular contest ahead of Thursday’s polling. UDF candidate Ramesh Pisharody is competing against BJP State general secretary Sobha Surendran and LDF-backed Independent N.M.R. Razak in a closely fought race.