Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: V.A. Firoz served ₹10-crore legal notice over ‘fake’ allegation against T.N. Prathapan

T.N. Prathapan, United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate in Manalur constituency and former MP, has initiated legal action against V.A. Firoz over allegations that he accepted ₹8 crore to divert votes in favour of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Suresh Gopi during the Lok Sabha election.

Calling the allegations baseless and defamatory, Mr. Prathapan has sent a legal notice demanding ₹10 crore as compensation.

The notice states that the allegations are part of a “deliberate conspiracy” to tarnish the public image and credibility of Mr. Prathapan, who has served as a three-time MLA and an MP from Thrissur, and is currently an AICC secretary.

It further alleges that the claims were raised at a press conference held at the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] district committee office just ahead of the elections, indicating a “political nexus” with the Left.

The legal notice demands that Mr. Firoz withdraw the allegations and issue a public apology within 24 hours. Failing this, Mr. Prathapan will proceed with both civil and criminal action.