The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) has undermined the Vigilance probe into the alleged bribery that led to the LDF capturing the presidency of Wadakkanchera block panchayat, Thrissur District Congress Committee (DCC) president Joseph Tajet on Saturday alleged.
Addressing the media, Mr Tajet said Vigilance was deliberately refusing to register a formal case despite a complaint of “buying of votes through the offer of bribe”. “The effort is to create an impression that the investigation was conducted without registering a case just to ensure that the role of the CPI(M) does not come to light,” he charged.
Referring to alleged audio clips linked to the controversy, Mr Tajet said the explanations offered by those involved were untenable. “Jaffer (an independent candidate who cross-voted) claims that the statements he heard in the audio clip were made as a joke for a friend. But another audio has surfaced in which CPI(M) committee member Babu is heard providing protection. Was it also a joke?” he asked, demanding a clear answer from the CPI(M) leadership.
“These audio clips are not random conversations. They are evidence that substantiates allegations of bribery,” Tajet said, adding that the development clearly points to a systematic effort to subvert democratic processes.
Resignation sought
He insisted that the investigation should be conducted under judicial supervision to prevent any “deviant or illegal interference” in the investigation. “The position of block panchayat president has been secured by undermining democracy. The person holding this position must resign immediately,” he said.
Warning of further action, Mr Tajet said Congress would seek further legal action if the Vigilance investigation was not conducted in a fair and transparent manner. He also claimed that the CPI(M) state leadership’s response to the controversy revealed prior planning.
About Govindan’s reaction
“The very fact that CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan reacted so quickly is part of a deliberate strategy. Has there ever been a case in the history of the CPI(M) when a state secretary has been so quick to speak about a people-based problem?” he asked.
According to Mr. Tajet, Mr. Govindan’s initial statement itself served as a signal to the district leadership. “District Secretary KV Abdul Khader’s response followed Mr. Govindan’s line word for word without even an iota of deviation. That in itself reveals behind-the-scenes coordination,” he said.
Published – 03 Jan 2026 20:35 IST
