Kottayam: Congress chieftain and Kerala Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan launched a scathing attack on the ruling CPM on Sunday, alleging the party is threatening candidates and officials ahead of the local body elections.

Speaking to the media, Satheesan claimed the CPM’s actions in Kannur resemble gangsterism. “In the party secretary’s constituency, no one else can submit nomination papers. They are threatening people and officials to withdraw. This is unlike anything we have seen or heard before,” he said.

“People are being called on the phone and threatened. They are told they could be killed or eliminated. Women candidates have reportedly been intimidated at their homes. CPM is no different from a fascist party like the BJP; this proves it,” Satheesan said.

Instances of rejected nomination papers

Satheesan highlighted specific cases.

“In Ernakulam, a Block Panchayat division candidate’s nomination was rejected for being an attached employee of the Khadi Board. However, this rationale was not followed in Kasaragod and Kannur, and nominations of four CPM candidates were accepted,” he said.

“Normally, nomination papers are returned for correction. But in Ernakulam’s Kadamakkudy division, a candidate who returned with corrected papers was not allowed to enter the office. Police and others blocked the submission,” he alleged.

UDF to emerge victorious, Satheesan claims

Satheesan asserted that regardless of these actions, CPM will not win. “The UDF is going to power. There is no doubt,” he said. He also emphasised that Congress and UDF face far fewer issues this election compared to the usual election period.