Kannur Local Body Polls: UDF Candidates Attacked at Booths
Kannur Local Body Polls: UDF Candidates Attacked at Booths
Two UDF women candidates and a polling agent were assaulted by CPI(M) workers in Kannur during Kerala local body polls, with investigations underway.
Two separate assaults disrupted polling in Kannur district on Thursday as local body elections pressed on in Kerala. In Thalassery, United Democratic Front candidate K. Lathika, contesting in the Panur block’s Pullode division, was attacked inside a booth at Vettummal Mapila LP School. A group described as CPI(M) workers allegedly forced their way into the booth, snatched the voters’ list from Lathika and pushed her aside while hurling abuses. Lathika was admitted to the Indira Gandhi Co-operative Hospital in Thalassery for treatment.
In Malur panchayat, a separate incident saw UDF candidate Amala and Youth Congress district secretary Rahul Makkileri assaulted at the Kunderipoyil LP School in the 11th ward. They sought medical treatment after the attack. Investigations are under way into both incidents.
The episodes come as Phase 2 of Kerala’s 604 local body elections continues across the state, with officials stressing the need to maintain a peaceful and fair voting environment. The authorities have not ruled out further action and are reviewing security arrangements at affected booths. Local leaders and voters expressed concern over safety, while election officials urged calm as investigations proceed and polling operations resume.
These tensions highlight the fragility of democratic processes at the local level and the scrutiny on security arrangements around polling stations as Kerala moves deeper into the voting schedule.
Cover image source: Voting for Phase 2 of 604 Kerala local body elections begins 🔗
