Did the CPI(M) Engage in a Criminal Conspiracy Against Vaishna Suresh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CPI(M) allegedly involved in conspiracy
- Satheesan demands Election Commission investigation
- Serious lapses by officials highlighted
- Legal action threatened by UDF
- Vaishna's voting rights reinstated
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 20 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V.D. Satheesan, accused the CPI(M) on Thursday of orchestrating a “criminal conspiracy” to remove the name of 24-year-old Congress candidate Vaishna Suresh from the voters’ list in the Muttada ward of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.
“Two high-ranking CPI(M) officials in Thiruvananthapuram were directly implicated in this conspiracy. Several Corporation officials, who are sympathetic to the CPI(M), also took part in this unlawful act. The Election Commission must launch a thorough investigation and establish a special team for the inquiry; otherwise, the UDF will pursue legal measures,” Satheesan stated.
He pointed out that the order from the State Election Commission, which reinstated Vaishna’s voting rights, underscores significant failures at the official level. Following a complaint from a CPI(M) local leader, the Electoral Registration Officer made a unilateral decision.
“This officer actively supported the CPI(M)’s criminal conspiracy. The Election Commission itself has determined that there was no basis for Vaishna’s name to be removed from the electoral roll,” Satheesan added.
“During the hearing, the officer disregarded any documents presented by Vaishna. Her voting rights were revoked solely based on the claims of a local CPI(M) leader, without her presence. Such officials who conform to the CPI(M) must not remain in their positions even for a moment. Those involved should be suspended, and criminal charges should be brought against them,” Satheesan asserted.
Officials acting as agents of the CPI(M) should keep in mind that their party will not be in power indefinitely, and the time will come when they will be held accountable, Satheesan cautioned.
Interestingly, after her appeal was dismissed by the officials, she turned to the Kerala High Court, which criticized how her petition was managed by the authorities and warned that if they did not take necessary actions, the court would exercise its special powers.
Subsequently, district authorities reinstated her name on the voters' list on Wednesday, and she submitted her nomination papers on Thursday.