Political row in Palakkad after BJP workers block Congress candidate Pisharody's campaign

Palakkad: The political fallout from the recent incident in which UDF candidate Ramesh Pisharody was blocked in Vadakkanthara continues to intensify, with fresh allegations, counterclaims, and signs of internal dissent shaping the narrative ahead of polling.

While the BJP initially linked the women's protest to Pisharody's remarks on a sexual harassment case involving filmmaker Ranjith, the explanation appears to have had limited impact in containing the political damage. A broader perception is emerging that the incident resembled exclusionary practices often criticised in so-called “party villages” raising questions about democratic freedoms in election campaigning.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night when Pisharody, campaigning in Vadakkanthara — a BJP stronghold in Palakkad town — was stopped by a group of women led by BJP municipal councillor Sindhu Rajan near a temple. According to Pisharody, he had reached the area to interact with voters as part of his campaign.

He said that while returning, a woman first invited him to her nearby house, which he declined, and then requested him to visit a nearby temple, to which he agreed. However, while walking towards the temple, a group of women blocked his path and insisted that he would not be allowed to enter, leading to minor skirmishes.

“As part of my campaign, I came to interact with people. But I was unexpectedly blocked. In a democratic country, a candidate has the freedom to visit any place and seek votes. Such actions are condemnable,” Pisharody said.

In the immediate aftermath, the BJP linked the women's protest to Pisharody’s response to media queries regarding the arrest of filmmaker Ranjith in a sexual harassment case. Pisharody had stated that he could not comment on “individual-specific issues.”

However, BJP leader Shobha Surendran alleged that Pisharody’s remarks amounted to saying that harassment of women is a personal matter, which she termed unacceptable. She said the protest by local women was a reaction to this perceived stance and accused the UDF candidate of siding with perpetrators. She also demanded that Pisharody issue an apology.

Shobha Surendran further questioned why Prashobh, a Congress councillor in Palakkad, has not been arrested in a separate sexual harrassment case, and stated that a complaint has been filed against him with the National Commission for Women.

Despite BJP’s attempt to frame the issue around the remarks, the incident is increasingly being viewed as having politically backfired on the party, with comparisons being drawn to restrictions seen in “party villages,” raising concerns over democratic campaigning rights.

Seeking to keep the issue alive, the Congress is planning a massive protest in Palakkad on Thursday.

Meanwhile, LDF candidate NMR Razaq has extended support to Pisharody, stating that all candidates have the right to seek votes from every section of society. He emphasised that such incidents are not typical of Palakkad and called for restraint.

“People from all political parties should ensure that such situations do not occur. When someone comes seeking votes, it will not change the ideology of those accompanying them. Everyone has the freedom to ask for votes. If we act out of hatred and hostility, we cannot build our nation. Such actions must be avoided. All people of Palakkad are one,” he said.

Adding to the political complexity are reports of internal divisions within the BJP. A section of party workers supporting Shobha Surendran has alleged that those behind the Vadakkanthara incident deliberately created the situation and indirectly supported Pisharody, possibly to influence electoral outcomes.