Kerala:The Election Commission has recorded BJP candidate Shobha Surendran’s statement following a complaint filed by Congress leader C V Balan, who accused the BJP leader of distributing money to influence voters in the constituency. Surendran, who appeared before the Returning Officer, accompanied by a Supreme Court lawyer, has categorically denied all allegations.
The inquiry is being led by the Returning Officer and RDO of Palakkad constituency, who is also recording statements from key witnesses. Authorities are set to examine the testimony of individuals who reportedly captured visuals of the alleged distribution, along with the statement of an elderly woman, identified as Devu, who is claimed to have received money.
The complaint centres around an incident alleged to have occurred on April 8 at Theruvakkurissi in Kannadi panchayat, where Surendran is accused of distributing cash to voters in a direct attempt to sway the electorate.
The video at the centre of the scandal captured scenes that opponents claim are undeniable: money being handed directly to voters, along with goods like sarees and liquor. According to reports, the distribution allegedly took place in vulnerable, economically weaker localities—raising serious questions about targeting poor communities for electoral manipulation.
What makes the purported visuals explosive is not just the alleged act itself, but the boldness. If the videos are showing truth, it is not whispered corruption hidden in backrooms. It is, as critics allege, open, organised, and systematic vote-buying unfolding in public view.
But the scandal doesn’t stop at alleged bribery.
As cameras rolled, the situation reportedly turned aggressive. When locals and opposition workers began recording the distribution, threats erupted on the spot. Sobha Surendran could be seen in the video threatening to smash the heads and phones of those filming, creating a chilling atmosphere of fear and confrontation.
Eyewitness accounts claim attempts were even made to snatch phones and destroy evidence, turning what began as an alleged electoral malpractice into a scene of intimidation and near-violence.
Officials confirmed that a detailed report based on the collected statements will be submitted to the District Collector on Saturday, who will then forward it to the Chief Electoral Officer for a final decision.
The controversy has already triggered serious concern within election authorities, with an earlier preliminary report submitted by the District Collector pointing to potential violations. The outcome of the probe is expected to have significant political repercussions in the high-stakes Palakkad contest.