Palakkad: VR Ramakrishnan, an independent candidate contesting from Ward 18 of Agaly grama panchayat in Attappady, has alleged that a local CPM leader issued a death threat demanding that he withdraw his nomination. He has also released an audio clip of the phone conversation to substantiate his claim. Onmanorama has not independently verified the clip.

Ramakrishnan, a former CPM worker for 42 years, said he quit the party recently after uncovering corruption within the organisation.

In the leaked audio, Jamsheer, the local committee secretary of the CPM, can be heard threatening Ramakrishnan, saying the party would be “forced to kill” him if he refused to withdraw his nomination. Jamsheer initially attempts to persuade him calmly, but soon resorts to open threats. Ramakrishnan, however, is heard challenging him to go ahead. 

Ramakrishnan said he received the call on Saturday, just hours after the returning officer approved his nomination during scrutiny. He asserted that he would not withdraw from the contest despite the threats and added that he intends to pursue legal action.

Meanwhile, CPM district secretary EN Suresh Babu condemned the incident and cautioned party workers against such actions during the election period. Addressing the media in Palakkad on Sunday, he said the party would examine Ramakrishnan’s allegations in detail. At the same time, he criticised the media for targeting the LDF and raising false allegations against the front. 

The CPM is facing internal rebellion in several areas ahead of the local body elections. On Sunday, the party expelled OE Abbas from its local committee in Pallarimangalam, Palakkad, for contesting as an independent candidate. Abbas filed his nomination as an independent candidate after CPM denied him a ticket.