Kerala’s political battlefield has shifted sharply to Perambra, where a fierce controversy has broken out over allegations of communal campaigning, with the United Democratic Front (UDF) launching a direct attack on the ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF). 

The row centres around a controversial audio announcement that was allegedly played from a campaign vehicle reportedly linked to LDF candidate and senior CPM leader TP Ramakrishnan.

The recording, now widely circulated, is claimed to suggest that Muslim League workers are appealing for votes on religious lines, urging support for “a candidate from our community.”

Sensing a deliberate attempt to spark religious polarisation, the UDF has accused the CPM of engineering the message to influence voters in a tightly contested constituency. 

The party alleges that the move is part of a larger strategy to regain lost ground in Perambra, once considered a Left stronghold.

UDF candidate Fathima Thahliya has mounted a sharp offensive, claiming that the ruling party has stooped to dangerous levels of divisive politics.

In a scathing remark, she alleged that CPM was trying to “outdo even the BJP” in playing the communal card.

She further claimed that the voice in the audio belongs to a CPM functionary and that the announcement was made with full knowledge of the candidate.

According to the UDF, the audio clip was recorded at a studio in nearby Naduvannur, and supporting evidence has already been submitted to authorities.

The controversy surfaced dramatically after a resident reportedly followed the campaign vehicle and recorded the announcement, triggering outrage.

The opposition has since filed formal complaints with the Election Commission and the State Police Chief, submitting key details, including the vehicle’s registration number used for campaign permissions.

However, the absence of an FIR so far has raised eyebrows, with the UDF alleging political interference and shielding of those involved.

The CPM, on its part, has denied any connection with the vehicle, maintaining that it does not belong to the LDF.

Ramakrishnan has stated that corrective action would be taken if any wrongdoing is proven, but stopped short of accepting responsibility.

What makes the controversy more significant is the changing political dynamics in Perambra. While the CPM has held the seat since 1980 and secured a comfortable victory in the last Assembly polls, recent elections have indicated a shift.

The UDF has made notable gains, including a strong lead in the Lok Sabha segment and improved performance in local body polls.

With tensions escalating and allegations flying thick and fast, Perambra is rapidly emerging as one of the most high-stakes and volatile battlegrounds ahead of the state assembly elections on April 9.