‘Muhurtham’ row sparks tension between BJP and CPI ahead of Kerala polls

Tense scenes unfolded at a district collectorate in Kerala on Saturday as candidates of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) clashed over the order of filing nomination papers ahead of the April 9 Assembly elections.

The dispute arose after United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Rajan Pallan completed his nomination. CPI leaders demanded that their nominee, Alankode Leelakrishnan, be allowed to file next as per the official token system . However, BJP leaders insisted that their candidate, Padmaja Venugopal, be given priority to meet an auspicious ‘muhurtham’ around 12:30 pm.

Television visuals showed heated exchanges between leaders of both sides, with CPI representatives, including V S Sunil Kumar, questioning how a ‘muhurtham’ could override established election procedures . Amid the standoff, Leelakrishnan quickly submitted his papers, following which Venugopal filed her nomination within the specified time window.

The episode underscores rising political tensions in the state as the election process gathers momentum.

Meanwhile, preparations for the Kerala Assembly polls have intensified under the Election Commission’s supervision . Security has been tightened at nomination centres, with additional police deployment to prevent disruptions. Officials have reiterated strict adherence to procedures, including token systems and scheduled time slots.

Surveillance and enforcement measures have also been ramped up to ensure compliance with the Model Code of Conduct. Flying squads, static surveillance teams and video monitoring units are active across districts to curb electoral malpractices.

With campaigning picking up pace, major political fronts are mobilising support across the state, setting the stage for a closely watched electoral contest .