Alathur: Tensions flared in  Alathur Lok Sabha constituency as footage emerged showing purported weapons being  transferred from the campaign vehicle of K Radhakrishnan, the LDF candidate and CPM leader. UDF candidate Ramya Haridas released the footage, igniting a storm of controversy surrounding the incident.

In response to the escalating situation, local authorities intervened, with the Chelakkara Police summoning individuals seen in the footage to appear at the station on Thursday at 10 am. However, the individuals caught in the footage claimed that the items removed from the vehicle were work tools and not weapons. CPM worker Surendran confirmed his presence in the video and asserted that the items belonged to other workers tasked with installing flex boards. He clarified that the alleged weapons were stowed away to avoid potential complications during roadside inspections.

However, LDF candidate K Radhakrishnan vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that they have no intention of carrying weapons in campaign vehicles. Speaking to Mathrubhumi News, Radhakrishnan emphasized that the incident was being blown out of proportion . 'What is going on is a ballot war, not a war of weapons', he said. He dismissed the controversy as a desperate attempt by opponents to discredit the party since they have nothing else to say.