Thiruvananthapuram: Allegations have surfaced that a deliberate move was made to remove the name of Vyshna Suresh from the voters list, the youngest candidate announced by the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the Muttada ward of the Thiruvananthapuram corporation. Although her name appeared in the final voter list, it was later omitted following a complaint lodged by a CPM worker Dhanesh. Even with a favourable direction from the High Court, the corporation is yet to provide the supplementary list to Congress leaders. It is alleged that officials from the cell responsible for preparing the voters list in the corporation, along with certain members of the administrative committee, attempted to exclude the votes.

Vyshna resumed her campaign after the court’s favourable remark. The campaign restarted from the election committee office in Kuravankonam, with leaders including K. S. Sabarinadhan present.

Vyshna and senior leaders reached the corporation’s election cell on Saturday to file a complaint upon finding that her name had been removed, but officials did not accept it. The aim appeared to be to delay the process until the final date for filing nomination papers. The documents were then sent via speed post. No action followed. Congress leader J.S. Akhil, who accompanied Vyshna to the collectorate on Monday to submit a complaint to the collector, stated that a similar experience occurred there as well.

They waited for nearly an hour and a half to meet the collector, who was in a meeting at the time. The ADM accepted the complaint only after the Congress decided to protest. By then, the High Court had issued stern criticism. The Court also strongly criticised the corporation, which attempted to become a party in the case. The corporation’s stance in court was to counter Vyshna’s argument. The TC number of Vyshna’s house was incorrectly entered in the voter list. This was an error in the list. However, the Congress alleged that this technicality was used deliberately to obstruct Vyshna’s candidacy.

Conspiracy was led by the mayor–K. Muraleedharan

Congress leader K. Muraleedharan claimed that a conspiracy led by Mayor Arya Rajendran aimed to remove Vyshna’s name, so that the current councillor, Amsu Vamadevan, could secure the Muttada ward. K. S. Sabarinadhan stated that legal steps will be taken against the officials who avoided registering Vyshna’s vote and acted in favour of the CPM by not accepting the complaint. Sabarinadhan noted that due to these officials’ actions, a candidate previously known only in one ward has now gained attention across the state.

CPM has nothing to do with it; Election Commission should answer–V. Joy

District Secretary V. Joy said the CPM had no involvement in the omission of votes, and that the Election Commission must respond. He said the CPM has submitted about 32,000 complaints relating to fake votes in various wards. These include complaints featuring the name of Kummanam Rajasekharan. Joy noted that the submissions were made before the election was announced. Kadakampally Surendran also stated that Muttada is a ward where the Left consistently wins and is expected to retain.

Attempt to sabotage the voter list–V.D. Satheesan

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan alleged that both the CPM and the BJP are attempting to sabotage the voter list. He said the Election Commission should not take part in the wrongful act of removing a name from the voter list in anticipation of a person becoming a candidate. The Opposition leader also urged the Election Commission to restore Vyshna Suresh’s voting rights.