Akhil Marar severs ties with Twenty20, levels allegations against party chief Sabu M. Jacob

Actor-director Akhil Marar, who unsuccessfully contested as a Twenty20 candidate in the 2026 Assembly election in Kerala, has severed ties with the Kitex Group-backed political outfit, levelling serious allegations against party president Sabu M. Jacob.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a function in Thrikkakara on Tuesday, Mr. Marar said he was initially promised the Kottarakara seat, then Tripunithura, before being fielded in Thrikkakara, where the party had little chance. He alleged Mr. Jacob became “unresponsive” after the election. Mr. Marar claimed he sold his ₹20 lakh motorcycle for ₹10 lakh to fund his campaign, though the expenses were later reimbursed.

Sabu Jacob refutes charges

Rejecting the allegations as baseless, Mr. Jacob said the party fully funded every candidate’s campaign.

He confirmed that Mr. Marar had sought Kottarakkara and Tripunithura, but chose to contest from Thrikkakara “after being told he was free to decline.”