Posters of National Democratic Alliance, Left Democratic Front, and United Democratic Front candidates Padmaja Venugopal, Alankode Leelakrishnan and Rajan J. Pallan respectively pasted on a wall in Thrissur on. File
| Photo Credit: K.K. Najeeb
Tensions have spiked in Thrissur after allegations surfaced that food kits were distributed to influence voters ahead of the Assembly elections. The controversy has added a sharp edge to an already heated campaign in Thrissur district.
According to the LDF, kits were being distributed through a supermarket in Olarai, targeting select households at Sivaramapuram tribal hamlet. Acting on the complaint, the police intervened and shut down the outlet, seizing around 50 kits from the premises. Locals, including women, had reportedly arrived to collect the kits, which the LDF claims were offered in exchange for votes.
CPI leader V. S. Sunil Kumar alleged that the BJP was distributing kits and clothing widely across the constituency to “secure votes.”
“Under BJP leadership, kits are being prepared in coordination with commercial establishments,” he said, pointing to what he described as an organised attempt to influence the electorate.
The supermarket owner, however, stated that an individual named Radhakrishnan had placed an order for around 75 kits, paid the bill, and arranged for collection.
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“I don’t know his political affiliation,” the owner said, adding that people who came to the store took the kits as per instructions.
The police and election officials reached the spot soon after the issue came to light, leading to the closure of the supermarket as part of preliminary action.
The row has also drawn a reaction from Congress leadership. DCC president Joseph Tajet called the episode “highly suspicious” and demanded a detailed probe.
“Similar attempts were made during the Lok Sabha elections. The Election Commission must investigate and identify those behind this,” he said.
Meanwhile, the BJP has firmly denied any involvement, stating that the party has no connection with the distribution of goods from the supermarket.
With just days left for polling, the incident has intensified political friction in Thrissur, raising fresh questions about campaign ethics and the lengths parties may go to in a fiercely contested election.
Published – April 04, 2026 08:39 pm IST
