Clashes erupt in several districts during Kalashakottu

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Clashes broke out at several places during the high-decibel finale of the election campaign. Police lathi-charged at some places to disperse the activists. Clashes broke out in Haripad and Kayamkulam constituencies in Alappuzha. A dispute over ending the campaign in Haripad resulted in clashes between LDF and UDF activists. Stones, bottles and flags were thrown at each other.

CPM-DYFI activists vandalised a UDF campaign vehicle in Kayamkulam, demanding a stop to a parody song related to the Sabarimala temple theft. There was a scuffle between Congress activists and the police in Perumbavoor. A Youth League activist was beaten up in a clash between LDF and UDF in Peravoor, Kannur. In Kalamassery, Kochi, LDF-UDF activists gathered and chanted slogans, leading to a minor clash.

A clash broke out between LDF and UDF workers in Neyyattinkara, Thiruvananthapuram. Deep, a senior Civil Police Officer of Pozhiyur station, was injured when he tried to stop the melee. In Thoppumpady, Ernakulam, there was a scuffle between the police and LDF workers.

Police resorted to lathi charge following a clash between LDF and UDF workers in Pattambi. Three LDF workers were injured in the clash. In Kottarakkara, allegations were made that glass bottles were thrown at BJP workers. The BJP alleged that Congress and Youth Congress workers were behind it.