Kannur: According to an Intelligence report, the controversy arising from the alleged gold theft at Sabarimala distanced voters from the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in the local body elections. The report, prepared after examining the LDF’s defeats even in CPM strongholds, has been submitted to the Director General of Police (DGP).

The failure of the CPM to take action against A Padmakumar and N Vasu—both of whom are in judicial custody in connection with the gold theft case—led to anti-LDF sentiment. It also created a perception that corrupt individuals were being protected. The report notes that this sentiment was particularly evident among women voters and Ayyappa devotees.

In the Pandalam municipality, where the Sabarimala controversy was expected to have the greatest impact, the LDF managed to secure victory solely due to public resentment against the NDA-led ruling council. Although the CPM gained public support by launching statewide protests against Rahul Mamkootathil, the report says that widespread criticism arose over the perceived double standards when the state government honoured Vedan with an award despite his being named as an accused in a similar case.

Local issues too

The report further states that local issues such as the death of ADM K Naveen Babu, controversies involving former Kannur District Panchayat president P P Divya, and criticism of the functioning of Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran also influenced election outcomes in their respective regions.

The consolidated report compiled from various districts was submitted to the Intelligence DGP a few days ago.