CPM in dock after Rs 50 lakh cross-vote audio surfaces

THRISSUR: Although coming to power in the Vadakkencherry block, an audio leak about allegations of a cross-voting deal has given headache for CPM.

Just as the presidential election was drawing to a close, the Muslim League's independent Jaffer, who won from the Varavoor division, voted in favour of the LDF. He also abstained from the vice-presidential election held in the afternoon.

The audio recording of Jaffer’s phone call with Congress constituency president Mustafa the day before the vote has come to light. Jaffer says that he has been offered the presidency or fifty lakhs. Jaffer said that his life would be settled if he took the money. After the League expelled him, Jaffer also resigned from the block panchayat membership the other day. A phone message from a CPM leader offering protection to Jaffer was also released after the election. It was revealed that former panchayat president K.K. Babu spoke to Jaffer, enquiring if he faced any difficulties after voting in favour of LDF.

With the resignation of the League's independent member, who was caught in the bribery allegations, the LDF government was temporarily strengthened with a 7-6-member strength.

E.U. Jaffer said the audio leak over the Rs 50 lakh deal was part of a friendly conversation and confessed that he had not taken even a single rupee.

Jaffer said an error occurred during voting due to mental stress.

Jaffer spoke to the media when he came to offer prayers at the Venkitanga mosque. He sought shelter at the Pavaratty police station when Congress workers came with a protest. He returned after the protesters dispersed.