CPI(M) unleashing violence out of fear of defeat, says KPCC president Sunny Joseph

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph has accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] of resorting to widespread violence during the local body elections due to fear of defeat. He alleged that the party had led attacks in districts where the second phase of polling was held.

CPI(M) workers targeted United Democratic Front (UDF) candidates and booth agents on the polling day and afterwards, with even women candidates getting brutally assaulted, he said in a statement.

He alleged that the CPI(M) was attempting to subvert democracy through bogus voting and violence, aided by sections of the police and a few government employees. The attacks, he said, were also an act of revenge after UDF workers questioned attempts to influence voters.

He demanded strict action against those behind violence, warning that the Congress would otherwise be forced to respond both politically and legally.