CPI(M) accuses UDF of spreading ‘communal videos’

Palakkad (Kerala): Amid continued criticism of the UDF over its 'kafir' poll campaign, the ruling CPI (M) in Kerala on Sunday turned the tables and accused the Congress-led opposition front of spreading “communal and objectionable videos” during the Lok Sabha election campaign in Vadakara constituency.

CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan claimed that the UDF already had experience in shooting and distributing such videos.

The politician stated that the ruling CPI(M) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by it had only one stance on the issue and alleged that the Congress and the UDF were behind such campaigns.

“It was the UDF that had circulated the communist and objectionable videos during the (Lok Sabha) elections. That is why we have been saying this from the very beginning. It was the LDF that had first lodged a complaint in this regard,” he told reporters here.

The beneficiaries of the communal and objectionable videos were neither the CPI(M) nor the LDF, he added.

Govindan's reaction came as the Congress continued to accuse the CPI(M) of running a communal campaign in Vadakara constituency during the Lok Sabha elections as part of the 'kafir' campaign, hours before the start of polling for the seat.

The issue is a social media post in the run-up to the Vadakara election, which allegedly asked people not to vote for LDF candidate KK Shailaja because she was a “kafir” (infidel).

According to reports, the police recently found that the post in question was circulating on some online pages and WhatsApp groups of the CPI(M).

The opposition UDF party, led by the Congress party, accused Prime Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday of protecting those behind the movement.

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament VD Satheesan described the campaign as a hate campaign akin to an act of terrorism aimed at dividing people along religious lines for political reasons and asked why no action had been taken against those who had shared the controversial post on social media.