Tensions flared up in the Vanchiyoor ward during the elections to the Thiruvananthapuram Corporations on Tuesday after Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and Bharatiya Janata Party [BJP] workers clashed over allegations of bogus voting.
The incident unfolded when two transgender persons arrived at a polling station in the Sree Chithira Thirunal Library, Vanchiyoor, to cast their votes. Soon, a group of BJP workers raised protests, alleging their names did not figure on the voters’ list. They also claimed that at least 100 bogus votes had been cast in the booth in favour of CPI(M), triggering a heated exchange with Left Democratic Front [LDF] activists present in the area.
The dispute quickly escalated into a confrontation between BJP workers and activists of the LDF. Tensions heightened further when a transgender person manhandled a BJP worker in public view. BJP activists also accused a CPI(M) worker of assaulting one of their women workers during the scuffle.
Complaints
As the unrest grew, BJP workers launched a sit-in protest near the polling station, compelling the police to intervene to restore order. Subsequently, the BJP lodged a complaint at the Vanchiyoor police station against the transgender person involved in the altercation. In a parallel development, a group of transgender persons filed a counter-complaint against four BJP workers.
BJP Thiruvananthapuram City District Committee president Karamana Jayan submitted a formal complaint to the State Election Commission, alleging large-scale electoral malpractice. He asserted that the incident reflected the CPI(M)’s fear of defeat and accused the party of orchestrating the fraud in connivance with some poll officials.
He also demanded a repoll in the ward and claimed that voters registered in other wards had cast ballots in Vanchiyoor.
CPI(M) leader and LDF candidate in the ward, Vanchiyoor Babu, countered by accusing BJP of unfairly targeting LGBTQ+ communities. “Aren’t transgenders human beings? Can’t they be included in the voters’ list or as political workers?” he asked, adding that the LDF would offer them all possible support, notwithstanding any opposition.
Mr. Babu added that the BJP had ample opportunity to challenge entries in the voters’ list before the polling day. “The voters’ list is not a confidential document. The BJP is hell-bent on disrupting the poll process, instead of using legitimate methods to raise objections,” he alleged.
Elsewhere
Meanwhile, another clash occurred in the Karumam ward when BJP workers allegedly attempted to take a vehicle bearing the party’s election symbol into a booth premises. Despite repeated warnings from police officials, the vehicle was purportedly driven close to the booth.
While police officers arrived at the scene and attempted to disperse the crowd and restore calm, the situation quickly deteriorated. Some BJP workers were engaged in scuffles with police and workers of rival parties. A few officers including a sub-inspector sustained injuries in the melee.
In the Nedumangad municipality, Congress councillor Punkummoodu Aji alleged that BJP workers manhandled him and tore his shirt when he went to monitor the polling process at the Tower ward. The BJP, however, countered that the Congress candidate had attempted to obstruct voters in the ward, which is presently held by the BJP.
Published – December 09, 2025 08:46 pm IST
