'Posters being torn down in public, BJP worker hit on head with helmet for questioning act; Malappuram natives residing in area are responsible'

KOCHI: Akhil Marar, the Twenty20 candidate in Thrikkakara, has alleged that an attempt is being made to tear down his election posters and flex boards in the constituency. He said that the incident occurred near Othupalli in Vazhakkala. He also alleged that people who have come from Malappuram and are currently residing in the area are behind the act. He made the allegation through a Facebook post.

Akhil's Facebook post

When they are certain of defeat, some people resort to sheer hooliganism.

For the past week, workers from several areas had been complaining, but I told them to ignore it and not to pay attention.

Today, a man openly challenged others and tore down posters near the Vazhakkala church. He has no connection with Thrikkakara. When a BJP worker questioned him, he was hit with a helmet, after which the man ran into a nearby shop. He may have entered the area believing that the local Muslim community would protect him.

If someone had retaliated against him, and if people from the nearby mosque or residents had intervened to question or protect him, it could have led to a major clash. In a Muslim-majority area, this man from Malappuram attempted to disrupt the NDA’s campaign and create unrest. That person is a threat to the locality.

However, others behaved calmly, and my intervention helped prevent a major conflict. I do not believe Congress workers are behind the destruction of our posters. It is likely that anti-social elements like him, who have come here from outside, are responsible.