CPIM workers launched a brutal attack on a BJP karyakartha on the eve of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, intensifying tensions in the sensitive Mattannur constituency. Manoli Shyju (also referred to as Shyju), a BJP worker from Malur, was assaulted on Thursday, further escalating the volatile atmosphere in Kannur district.
The incident occurred as Shyju was returning from the Kunderipoyil L.P. School, where he had just completed the official formalities to serve as a booth agent for today’s polling. According to eyewitness accounts, Shyju was intercepted by a group of CPM members who allegedly pelted him with stones. Shyju sustained a serious head injury during the ambush.
Shyju was immediately rushed to Thalassery General Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment for the injuries.This incident comes just days after an explosive was hurled at a BJP worker’s house in the same region (Kathirur area), heightening tensions in Kannur, a district long notorious for political clashes.
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As over 2.71 crore voters across Kerala queue up at 30,495 polling booths (with 2,040 marked as problematic and heavy deployment of 76,000 police personnel. From booth agents to local leaders, BJP Karyakartas in Kerala continue to face threats, intimidation, and violence simply for exercising their right to support their ideology and strengthen multiparty democracy in the state. The first reported act of violence on polling day has once again spotlighted the ground reality in parts of north Kerala.
While webcasting and tight security are in place to ensure free and fair voting, incidents like these remind us that true democracy cannot survive if workers are attacked for merely signing up to serve at a polling booth. Polling is underway in Kerala today.
