Kasaragod: A UDF campaign team was attacked, and their candidate, Sandeep Varier, was allegedly blocked by a group of CPM-CITU workers at the Cheruvathur bus stand here on Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred around 9.30 am, when a five-member foot campaign team, canvassing for Varier with boards strapped to their bodies, reached the bus stand. They were allegedly stopped and assaulted by a group led by Krishnan, a CPM worker and bus stand collection agent, along with CITU headload workers. Campaign materials were also damaged.

Naushad Ilampadi, who was leading the campaign team, was threatened by the group, the UDF said.

Varier rushed to the spot after coming to know of the attack, and the CPM group allegedly attempted to block him as well. He resisted the move and protested against the attackers. Bystanders later intervened and dispersed the group.

Varier said CPM workers in Cheruvathur must recognise that in a democracy, everyone has the right to campaign and seek votes. He later continued his campaign, interacting with people in the town and on buses before leaving the area.

On 2021 Assembly election day, UDF candidate M P Joseph saw his booth. Police did not act.  When he went to their rescue, a mob of around 300 CPM workers surrounded his car, raising bone-chilling slogans. One of them dropped a 15-kg laterite brick on his brand new car's windshield.