PALAKKAD: UDF is seizing on a decades-old letter allegedly sent by CPM to BJP seeking support in 1991 for the Palakkad municipal council's chairmanship. The letter has resurfaced on social media, sparking fresh debates and criticism.

Two days ago, BJP leader Sandeep Warrier released the letter, purportedly penned by then-opposition leader in the Palakkad municipal council, CPM’s MS Gopalakrishnan, addressed to the BJP’s district president at the time, T. Chandrasekharan. In the letter, Gopalakrishnan requests support from all six BJP councillors, stating, “In order to win the chairmanship election of Palakkad Municipal Corporation on August 9, 1991, I request all six councillors of the Bharatiya Janata Party to vote and take the necessary decision to secure my victory.”

At that time, the municipal council was composed of 36 wards, with Congress holding 18 seats, CPM with 11, BJP with six and one independent member. With the independent remaining neutral in the vote, Gopalakrishnan secured the necessary 18 votes to become chairman with support from six BJP councillors, one Congress defector and CPM members.

Minister MB Rajesh and CPM Central Committee member AK Balan have denied the letter’s authenticity, with Rajesh indicating that legal action may be taken against Warrier for allegedly spreading falsehoods. Balan, addressing the media yesterday, reiterated that the letter was fabricated and emphasized that the municipal council’s governance was supported by Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League at the time.

Meanwhile, UDF's strategy has gained further momentum as the DCC leadership formally requested the AICC to consider KM Muralidharan as their candidate for the Palakkad constituency.