EU Jaffer, the Indian Union Muslim League-backed Independent who won from Thalli division of Wadakkanchery block panchayat, on Thursday denied allegations that he accepted money to vote in favor of the Left Democratic Front in the panchayat president election.
The denial comes amid a political storm triggered by the release of an audio clip in which Mr Jaffer is allegedly heard telling Varavur Mandalam Congress president AA Musthafa that he was offered ₹50 lakh to vote for the Left Democratic Front candidate. The clip, which went viral, sparked accusations of bribery and political horse-trading.
Speaking to the media, Mr Jaffer said he did not take any money and dismissed the allegations as baseless. “I spoke to Musthafa out of friendship. There was nothing above it. I never demanded anything from anyone. LDF never approached me. My vote for LDF was not due to any inducement.”
He claimed that the cross-voting was done by mistake and under psychological pressure. “It was a mistake on my part. I was stressed while voting and did not pay attention. I have been against CPI(M) since my youth. Even as a joke, I do not support LDF in my heart. I did not take even a single rupee,” Mr Jaffer said.
Youth Congress activists staged a protest waving black flags when he turned up at the Pavaratty police station accompanied by a relative. Vigilance officials questioned him as part of the investigation and said a decision to register a case would be taken after examining the legal aspects.
Mr Jaffer said he was prepared to cooperate fully with the investigation, including taking a lie detector test if necessary.
Published – 02 Jan 2026 20:38 IST
