Palakkad not staying quiet during silence period; 'Ad' controversy heating up

PALAKKAD: Palakkad witnessed heated political discussions yesterday, which was the silent period. The new controversy was triggered by an LDF election advertisement in Siraj and Suprabhatham newspapers. The contents of the ad were controversial remarks made by Sandeep Warrier, who left the BJP and joined the Congress.

UDF alleges that the media monitoring committee of the Election Commission has not given permission for the advertisement. They lodged a complaint with the Election Commission and the district returning officer in this regard. The district administration has said that it will look into the matter after the polls. Officials said further action will be taken if it is found that there was a violation of the model code of conduct. The district heads of newspapers gave an explanation to the ADM on the incident. Minister MB Rajesh said that permission was sought for all newspaper advertisements and those who have objections should lodge a complaint and an explanation will be given then.

The media monitoring committee headed by the district collector has to give permission for advertisements in the media during the election season. It is learned that the LDF advertisement is not permitted. The ad is titled 'Sarin Tharangam'. Sandeep Warrier is mentioned a lot in the ad. Old Facebook post shared by Sandeep Warrier on the Kashmir issue, a picture of him dressed up in an RSS outfit, a call for a massacre of Kashmiris, a post that the CAA will be implemented in Kerala, and the assassination of Gandhi are some of the references in the ad. The ad also included headlines against Sandeep such as "Will you accept this poisonous tongue?". The ad criticised the Congress for expelling a secularist like Sarin and adopting the poison of communalism.

"It is because of their plight that the CPM published a newspaper advertisement insulting Sandeep Warrier. The party is in a pathetic situation where a baffled person can do anything.

- K Sudhakaran MP, KPCC President