Perambra, April 3 (NationPress) A new political dispute has arisen in the Perambra Assembly constituency of Kerala's Kozhikode district, with the United Democratic Front (UDF) accusing the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) of engaging in communally charged campaign strategies to reclaim its previous dominance.

The controversy revolves around an audio announcement allegedly aired from a campaign vehicle associated with LDF candidate T.P. Ramakrishnan, who also serves as the convenor for the ruling Left party.

The recording reportedly implies that Muslim League activists are soliciting votes along religious lines, calling for support for "a candidate from our community."

The UDF argues that this message was intended to provoke communal tensions and divide the electorate.

Fathima Thahliya, the UDF candidate from the Indian Union Muslim League, accused the CPI(M) of trying to exceed even the BJP in inciting communal discord.

She further claimed that the voice on the recording is that of a CPI(M) leader and that the announcement was made with the candidate's awareness.

According to her, the audio was produced at a studio in Naduvannur, located in the adjacent Balussery constituency, and evidence supporting this has been submitted.

This issue came to light when local resident Mundakkandi Saleel followed the announcement vehicle and captured the audio.

In response, the UDF has formally filed a complaint with the Election Commission and the State Police Chief, providing details including the vehicle's registration number used to obtain microphone permission.

While the CPI(M) disclaims any association with the vehicle, asserting it does not belong to the LDF, it has not filed a counter-complaint.

Ramakrishnan has stated that any misconduct in the campaign will be rectified if proven.

However, the UDF has vehemently criticized the lack of an FIR, alleging political interference has caused the delay.

This controversy is particularly significant in a constituency that has been a stronghold for the Left since 1980 but has recently experienced political instability.

Despite Ramakrishnan winning decisively in the last Assembly election by a margin of 22,592 votes, the CPI(M) faced setbacks in the Lok Sabha elections, where Congress leader Shafi Parambil gained a lead of over 19,000 votes in the area.

Further local body elections reiterated this trend, with the UDF winning six out of ten panchayats and establishing a lead exceeding 8,000 votes.

Political analysts believe that the escalating dispute illustrates the intensifying competition for Perambra, which is becoming a crucial electoral battleground in the state.