Kerala: BJP candidate and Union Minister V Muraleedharan convoy’s attacked; CPM involvement under scrutiny

A disturbing incident unfolded in the Attingal parliamentary constituency on April 10, 2024, as three motorbike-borne assailants launched an attack on the convoy of V Muraleedharan, a Union Minister and BJP candidate. The incident occurred at Kuthikkad, Pallikkal, and was reportedly orchestrated by workers affiliated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM]. Shockingly, it is alleged that one of the assailants was the son of a local CPM Panchayat ward member.

The attackers aggressively infiltrated the convoy, hurling verbal abuses at Muraleedharan and attempting to physically assault BJP workers. The situation could have escalated further if not for the restraint shown by BJP workers. Following the initial attack, the assailants returned, brandishing CPM flags and continuing their vulgar tirade against the candidate.

In response to the escalating tensions, Muraleedharan called for calm among party workers, urging them to refrain from retaliating physically. The incident forced the organisers to temporarily halt the roadshow, disrupting the campaign activities of Muraleedharan, who had been warmly received throughout his tour.

BJP State President K. Surendran condemned the attack, attributing it to the CPM’s growing fear of losing the election. He called for an impartial investigation into the incident, stressing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the democratic process.

This attack comes on the heels of a recent blast in Panoor, Kannur district, where CPM and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) members were arrested for allegedly manufacturing bombs. The BJP views these incidents as part of a larger pattern of CPM-led efforts to instigate physical confrontations and disrupt the electoral process.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened vigilance and the maintenance of law and order during the electoral period. With tensions escalating and allegations of political violence on the rise, ensuring a free and impartial election becomes paramount for upholding the principles of democracy.