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The Palakkad Assembly by-election in Kerala witnessed a significant controversy sparked by a provocative advertisement published by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) on the eve of polling day. The ad, which appeared in the prominent Sunni newspapers Suprabhatham and Siraj, depicted Sandeep Varier, a recent Congress recruit who previously belonged to the BJP, as a staunch member of the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization. This portrayal utilized Varier's past social media posts to bolster its claims. The strategic placement of the advertisement in these Sunni newspapers, which hold considerable sway over the traditional Muslim community in the Malabar region, indicates a targeted attempt to influence voters. Suprabhatham and Siraj, representing Sunni groups led by influential figures Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal and Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar respectively, command significant respect and authority within this community.
Despite distancing themselves from the advertisement, both Sunni groups voiced their discontent with its content. Zainul Abideen Safari, vice-chairman of Suprabhatham, argued that the advertisement was counterproductive and likely to benefit the BJP. Similarly, Abdul Hakeem Azhari, son of A.P. Aboobacker Musliar and a leader within the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham, clarified that Siraj had inadvertently published the advertisement, believing it to be a standard advertisement distributed to all newspapers. This explanation highlights the potential for misinformation and the unintended consequences of such targeted political advertising. The incident underscores the complex dynamics within the Kerala political landscape and the influence of religious affiliations on electoral outcomes.
The Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), key constituents of the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), vehemently condemned the LDF's advertisement, asserting that its intention was to bolster the BJP's prospects. Prominent figures such as Congress national general secretary K.C. Venugopal, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, and IUML national general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty publicly criticized the advertisement, predicting it would backfire on the LDF. Kunhalikutty further announced his intention to address the issue with the Samastha Kerala Sunni Students Federation following the election results. This response underscores the seriousness with which the opposition viewed the advertisement and its potential impact on the election.
The controversy extended beyond the opposition, with internal disagreements surfacing within the LDF itself. The CPI, a key component of the LDF, openly expressed its disapproval of the advertisement, echoing the sentiments of CPI(M) leader N.N. Krishnadas. This internal dissent highlights potential fractures within the LDF coalition and raises questions about the decision-making process that led to the publication of the controversial advertisement. The incident reveals the internal power struggles and strategic disagreements that can exist within a seemingly unified political coalition.
The fallout from this controversial advertisement extends beyond the immediate impact on the by-election. It illuminates the sensitive nature of religious identity in Kerala's political landscape and the potential for political maneuvering to exploit such sentiments. The incident serves as a cautionary tale regarding the use of targeted advertising and its potential consequences, particularly in a context marked by strong religious identities and intricate political alliances. The long-term effects of this controversy on inter-party relations within the LDF and the UDF, as well as the perception of the LDF by the Muslim community, remain to be seen. Further analysis will be crucial in understanding the full implications of this incident on Kerala’s political dynamics.