A political row has erupted in Thrissur after the BJP was accused of distributing free food kits ahead of Vishu to sway voters. According to UDF and LDF representatives, residents in Olari received vouchers for essential items, which were distributed through a local supermarket.
Rival parties have called for an immediate investigation into the breach of the Model Code of Conduct.
According to opposition leaders, the items were distributed from the Karthika Supermarket located near the Parathasarathy Temple.
A protest was staged near the supermarket by LDF leaders after the issue came to light. They also informed the RDO (Revenue Divisional Officer) of the incident, following which the election flying squad and police arrived on the scene and closed the supermarket.
The enforcement team discovered 26 kits, each valued at ₹900 and containing various miscellaneous household items.
Executive Magistrate Bindu T.N. said that an investigation conducted at the scene indicated that the distribution was carried out on the instructions of a person identified as Radhakrishnan. "An additional 75 kits had already been distributed before the arrival of the authorities," she said.
A case was registered by the Thrissur West Police based on a report filed by the executive magistrate.
After the LDF protest, Congress members also staged a protest in front of the supermarket.
CPI state executive member V.S. Sunil Kumar and LDF Thrissur constituency election committee president Anoop Davis Kada reached the spot after learning that the residents were collecting kits.
Meanwhile, the supermarket owner said that an order was placed for 75 kits, of which 10 were given away. He also added that he is unaware of any party affiliation or political background of Radhakrishnan.
A complaint was filed with the Election Commission over the alleged attempt by the BJP to sabotage the democratic electoral process by influencing voters with sops.
The Election Commission said that the alleged acts constitute offences under sections 170(1)(i)(bribery in elections) and 173 (punishment for bribery) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and section 123(A) (1) (corrupt practices) of the Representation of the People Act.
