The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has accused the Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate for the Palakkad bypoll, P Sarin, of obtaining voter registration in the assembly constituency through illegitimate means. The controversy has escalated with allegations of collaboration with the BJP to secure a residency certificate under dubious circumstances.

It may be noted that Sarin was a turncoat from the Congress contesting as LDF candidate. 

Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan alleged that Sarin, a former Congress digital media convener who was expelled from the party, acquired the certificate despite residing in Palakkad for only three months, as per a report on PTI. According to Satheesan, residency certificates require a minimum continuous stay of six months, which Sarin bypassed with the BJP-controlled municipality’s aid.

Satheesan further claimed that Sarin and his wife had never resided in their Palakkad house, which has been rented out, and accused both the BJP and CPI(M) of fraudulently manipulating the electoral roll. The UDF has announced its intention to challenge the alleged irregularities post-bypoll.

Responding to the allegations, Sarin and his wife dismissed the claims as “baseless.” In a joint press conference, they asserted that they have lived in their Palakkad home since purchasing it in 2018. Sarin’s wife, who works in Sharjah, also criticised Satheesan for dragging non-political family members into the matter, labeling the accusations as unfounded.

Sarin admitted to voting in Ottapalam constituency during the 2024 general elections but maintained that registering as a voter in Palakkad was legitimate due to his residential address in the constituency. He clarified that he had moved to a nearby rented house to avoid inconveniencing tenants residing in his property during the election campaign.

The allegations have added tension to the Palakkad bypoll, with both fronts trading accusations as the contest intensifies. 

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