Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Tension erupted in Vanchiyoor under the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation during the local body elections after the BJP alleged large-scale bogus voting by the CPM.

The confrontation began when BJP workers claimed that over 100 fake votes were cast with the support of the ruling party. They demanded re-polling in the ward.

BJP workers staged a sit-in protest on the road, leading to scuffles between CPM and BJP supporters. The party also alleged that one of its workers was assaulted during the clash.

BJP city district president Karamana Jayan alleged that more than 100 bogus votes were cast in Ward 2 of Vanchiyoor and accused the CPM of bringing in transgender persons who were not on the voter list and not residents of the area to cast votes.

He also claimed a BJP woman leader was beaten and abused using casteist remarks. The party reiterated its demand for re-polling in Ward 2.

The CPM strongly denied the allegations. CPM candidate Vanchiyoor Babu said that only voters whose names were on the list were allowed to vote, adding that the BJP was making accusations out of fear of defeat.

The UDF has also demanded re-polling in the ward. The front alleged that CCTV cameras, mandated by a High Court order, were installed one hour late, during which several bogus votes were cast. UDF candidate Girish Kumar had earlier approached the court demanding the installation of cameras to prevent election malpractice.