CPM adding duplicate votes to electoral rolls in Kerala, says Ashok Gehlot

T'puram: Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Thursday alleged that CPM is attempting to manipulate elections in Kerala by adding duplicate votes to electoral rolls. The former Rajasthan chief minister said that such practices by CPM in Kerala are comparable to BJP's ‘vote manipulation tactics' in other states. Gehlot said these actions expose the ‘anti-democratic face' of both parties. According to him, the creation of fake documents to enable duplicate voting is driven by fear of electoral defeat. Meanwhile, a delegation of Congress leaders, comprising AICC general secretary Deepa Dasmunsi, KPCC vice-president Palode Ravi and KPCC election monitoring committee convenor M K Rahman, submitted a formal complaint to the chief election commissioner alleging vote duplication. The complaint alleges large-scale inclusion of duplicate votes in the voter lists of constituencies such as Payyannur and Kalliasseri, purportedly under the leadership of CPM, and calls for a detailed investigation. Congress further alleged that similar activities are taking place in multiple constituencies across the state. V Kunhikrishnan, the former CPM leader who is now contesting as an independent candidate from Payyannur, also reportedly lodged a written complaint with the returning officer regarding the issue. Describing the matter as serious, Congress leaders warned that duplicate votes in these constituencies could significantly influence election results. They said the issue raises concerns over the credibility of the electoral process and voter lists. The party also alleged the possibility of a larger conspiracy, suggesting that individuals handling voter data may be involved.