Similar poll symbol played role in Chittur defeat, says CPM Palakkad district secretary E N Suresh Babu

Palakkad: CPM Palakkad district secretary E N Suresh Babu said that a similar election symbol used by an independent candidate played a key role in LDF's defeat in the Chittur assembly constituency. Addressing reporters, Babu said the necklace symbol used by an independent candidate closely resembled the ring symbol of the LDF candidate, leading to confusion among voters and a possible split in votes. LDF lost the Chittur seat to Janata Dal with the latter's candidate V Murugadas winning by a margin of 6,510 votes. Notably, an independent candidate with a similar name, Murugadas, who contested using the necklace symbol, secured 6,948 votes. According to Babu, "the similarity in symbols may have diverted a significant portion of votes meant for the LDF candidate, contributing to the defeat".' Babu also alleged that BJP indirectly supported UDF in Kongad. "There was a large-scale understanding between BJP and Congress, with saffron party workers not being present in many booths," he claimed. Meanwhile, Babu hailed LDF's victory in Ottappalam as historic. Without naming him, Babu criticized former CPM leader P K Sasi, who contested as a UDF-backed independent candidate. "After enjoying all the benefits of the party, he betrayed it. Even Congress workers did not fully support him," he said. Babu further alleged that there was a specific consolidation of Muslim votes in Palakkad constituency. "Groups like Jamaat-e-Islami were able to influence Muslim voters, which led to LDF losing minority support," he said. The CPM leader also accused UDF workers of attempting to trigger unrest after the results. "UDF workers tried to provoke LDF activists and create violence. Firecrackers were thrown in front of the CPM office, and the police facilitated it," he alleged. Describing the outcome of election results as a setback, Babu said the party would conduct a detailed review. "We aimed to retain 10 seats in the district but lost three. However, we have managed to protect the core strength of LDF in Palakkad," he added.