V D Satheesan, Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating large-scale voter fraud in the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency during the 2024 general elections, marking the party’s historic first win in Kerala. Speaking to reporters in Pazhayannur, Satheesan alleged that the Sangh Parivar, the BJP’s ideological parent, manipulated voter lists through illegal means, demanding a thorough investigation into the rigging claims. “The UDF is exploring legal action to address these serious allegations,” he stated.

The 2024 Thrissur election saw actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi secure a stunning victory for the BJP, defeating the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate V S Sunil Kumar and Congress’ K Muraleedharan by a margin of 75,686 votes. This breakthrough in a state where the BJP has historically struggled sent shockwaves through Kerala’s political landscape.

Satheesan’s allegations echo concerns raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who, at a press conference in New Delhi on August 7, claimed widespread electoral manipulation across states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Haryana. Gandhi highlighted 1,00,250 fraudulent votes in Karnataka’s Mahadevapura constituency, including 11,965 duplicate voters, 40,009 with fake addresses, and 33,692 misusing Form 6 for voter registration.

Satheesan backed Gandhi’s claims, stating, “Rahul Gandhi’s revelations, supported by evidence, expose a grave threat to our electoral process and democracy.” He accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of enabling fraud by diluting domicile proof requirements, such as accepting postcards as valid address proof, allowing the BJP to allegedly add voters from other districts or states. A pending Kerala High Court case, initiated by voter A S Binoy, further alleges Suresh Gopi’s campaign used corrupt practices, including religious symbols and inducements like gifts and pensions.

Also Read: AAP to Contest Bihar Polls Solo, Alleges BJP Voter Fraud

The BJP has not yet responded to these accusations. As the United Democratic Front (UDF) vows to escalate the matter legally, the controversy threatens to intensify ahead of future polls in Kerala.

Also Read: Nuns’ Arrest Ignites UDF-BJP Clash in Chhattisgarh