Kozhikode, Kerala: The United Democratic Front (UDF) has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission alleging that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) is running a campaign that promotes communal division against its candidate, Fathima Thahiliya, in Perambra.

UDF district chairman Balanarayanan approached the Commission with video evidence of announcements made from an LDF campaign vehicle. According to the complaint, the announcements accused the Indian Union Muslim League of seeking votes in the name of religion after fielding Thahiliya.

The audio reportedly claimed that the League was appealing to community sentiments with slogans such as “our vote for our community’s candidate,” and alleged that it was attempting religious polarisation. It further urged voters to resist what it described as the League’s “communal strategy”.

The UDF has also alleged that the campaign is a continuation of the controversial “kafir” screenshot circulated during the Lok Sabha elections.

The LDF, however, denied the allegation, stating that the leadership was not aware of such a development and would examine the issue. It also maintained that it has not engaged in any campaign aimed at creating communal divisions.

In the Perambra constituency, Thahiliya, a Muslim League woman leader, is contesting for the UDF against sitting MLA and LDF convener TP Ramakrishnan, setting the stage for a closely fought contest as the LDF seeks to retain the seat and the UDF attempts to wrest it.