Alappuzha (Kerala), April 7 (IANS) With Kerala Assembly elections nearing, political temperatures in Ambalappuzha have spiked sharply, with UDF-backed independent candidate G. Sudhakaran levelling serious allegations of a possible law-and-order breakdown.

A four-time legislator of the CPI-M and a two-time Cabinet Minister, Sudhakaran’s political journey has taken a dramatic turn in recent years.

He was left out of the party’s candidate list in 2021 following an internal norm barring those who had contested more than three times. The decision left him disgruntled, straining ties with the party.

Since then, relations between Sudhakaran and the CPI-M have steadily deteriorated.

After the election date was announced last month, Sudhakaran held a press conference declaring his decision to contest as an independent candidate.

The Congress-led UDF soon extended support, transforming the contest in Ambalappuzha into one of the most closely watched battles in the state.

In a fresh complaint, Sudhakaran on Tuesday alleged the presence of extremist organisations in the constituency and claimed that there are plans to trigger violence on polling day.

He further said the SDPI, with the backing of the CPI-M, is attempting to create unrest.

Specific allegations have been levelled against local leaders.

Sudhakaran also claimed that voters supporting him are being openly threatened and prevented from casting their votes.

He alleged a sustained campaign of defamation, attempts to physically attack him, and even death threats issued to his driver.

Complaints have been filed with the Election Commission, the Ambalappuzha DSP, and the Chief Election Commissioner, though he maintains that no action has been taken so far.

Meanwhile, Alappuzha SP Mohanachandran confirmed receipt of the complaint and said an investigation is underway, adding that there are no Intelligence Bureau or Special Branch reports indicating extremist activity.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has sharply criticised Sudhakaran, his former cabinet colleague, branding him a “traitor”, a sentiment echoed by party cadres.

Kerala goes to the polls on Thursday to elect 140 new legislators, with Ambalappuzha emerging as a high-stakes and volatile contest.

–IANS

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