MALAPPURAM: A series of inducement offers, ranging from Gulf trips and cash rewards to smartphones and social media incentives, has cast a shadow over the election campaign in Malappuram, with the LDF accusing the IUML of orchestrating a systematic attempt to influence voters.
The latest controversy has emerged from Mankada, where a “status challenge” purportedly organised by the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) promises an Android mobile phone worth `25,000 to the winner. The contest, scheduled between April 1 and 7, is aimed at boosting the online visibility of IUML candidate Manjalamkuzhi Ali through posters and reels. Participants are reportedly being offered `5,000 per day for generating higher engagement, with additional rewards distributed through a lucky draw.
This is the third such instance linked to the IUML campaign in recent days. Earlier, in Thavanur, a Gulf trip was allegedly promised to booth committees that secured the highest votes for the party’s candidate. In Tanur, a senior IUML leader announced cash prizes for booth committees crossing a 300-vote margin.
In both cases, the Election Commission intervened, directing the police to register cases. The Tirur police subsequently booked IUML State Vice-President C P Bava Haji over the foreign trip offer, while another controversy erupted after League Secretariat member K N Muthukoya reportedly announced cash incentives for booth committees.
Calling the developments a “direct assault on electoral integrity,” the LDF has accused the IUML of repeatedly violating election laws without fear of consequences.
Adv T K Rasheedali, chief election agent of LDF candidate Kunnath Mohammed in Mankada, has filed a formal complaint before the state chief electoral officer and the returning officer in Mankada against KMCC office bearers, alleging that the latest offer violates provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
CPM Malappuram district secretary V P Anil alleged that the spate of inducement offers reflects a growing insecurity within the League. He claimed that the party, once dominant in the district, is now facing an unprecedented challenge from the LDF.
“A decade ago, the IUML did not even need to paste posters in Malappuram. That political landscape has changed. The LDF has made significant inroads, and the IUML fears losing its strongholds. These offers are nothing but an attempt to buy votes,” he said.
Anil further pointed out that three separate inducement offers had surfaced across constituencies, with complaints filed in each case. “Despite legal action, they continue to repeat such practices. It shows a blatant disregard for the law,” he added.
With the campaign intensifying, the row has added a new dimension to the electoral battle in the district, raising questions about the use of money and digital influence in shaping voter behaviour.