PALAKKAD: Palakkad was rich in controversies in the by-election. Deal controversy, black money, trolley bag, spirit, NOTA, and finally newspaper ad controversy similar to the kafir screenshot issue. However, none of this helped the Left Front this time as well. It must be understood that all the controversies in Palakkad, which witnessed political dramas and defections, benefited UDF candidate Rahul Mamkootathil.

Rahul's historic victory was a combination of controversies raised by his opponents. During the Lok Sabha elections, the CPM had said that Shafi had come to Vadakara with the understanding that if Shafi was made to win in Vadakara, the BJP would win in Palakkad. However, Krishnakumar could not make even the progress that E Sreedharan made last time. Krishnakumar was never able to make a lead except in the first phase. The CPM was trying to raise controversies and prevent the anti-incumbency against the state government from becoming a topic of discussion.

Sarin raised votes, but did not improve position

With Rahul's candidature, Dr P Sarin, who had been criticising the CPM and the chief minister on social media till then, joined hands with the LDF in an instant and became the candidate. Though 850 votes were increased over the last time, Sarin's claim of 70,000 votes was shattered. He could only get half of it. The district secretary had often corrected Sarin's stance during the campaign. This was also a topic of debate.

No vote for blue trolley bag

Allegations that Rahul Mamkootathil smuggled black money in a blue trolley bag changed the course of the elections. The police raided the rooms of even congress women leaders in the middle of the night. This led to a huge controversy. As the allegation could not be proved, it backfired on those who raised the controversy. As there were different opinions within the CPM on the issue, the party had to go back. The UDF also made this a political weapon. This accurately affected the voting.

Sandeep's entry

Sandeep Warrier's entry into Congress was another occurrence. It was the CPM that first gave a good certificate and opened the door to Sandeep, who left the BJP. However, Sandeep's entry into the Congress was unexpected. With this, the same leaders who gave the good certificate to Sandeep made him hateful. Moreover, a newspaper advertisement with religious and communal content was also issued against Sandeep. This too backfired. The Left's perception that it could create a split in the votes of religious minorities, especially in the Pirayiri panchayat, also went awry. Pirayiri supported Rahul with more votes than Shafi had received last time.