Thrissur: A banner put up by the Kerala Students Union (KSU) near the BJP district office in Thrissur has triggered a political row amid allegations of unaccounted cash being kept at the party office during the election period. The banner, placed on public land in the Cherumukku temple road on Wednesday, points towards the premises of the BJP office and reads 'the way to the wholesale centre for receiving and distributing black money'.

The protest comes against the backdrop of allegations raised by P Akshay, a former secretary at the BJP Thrissur district office. Akshay has alleged that around ₹25 crore in unaccounted cash was brought to the office in 17 sacks and bags during the election campaign. He also alleged that the money was later diverted for the personal use of senior BJP leaders instead of being used for election expenses.

Akshay further claimed that the cash was kept on the second floor of the BJP office and at a house in Cheroor. He said that CCTV cameras were switched off while the money was being moved. He added that complaints submitted to the BJP's state and central leadership received no response.

The BJP has rejected the allegations, calling them fabricated and politically motivated. BJP Thrissur City president Justin Jacob told Onmanorama that the BJP did not take the protest personally as the banner was placed on public land. However, he said the party had informed the District Congress Committee (DCC) president about the matter as the BJP office was located nearby. The DCC president, he said, expressed regret over the incident.

Meanwhile, KSU leader Gokul Guruvayur said protests over the issue would continue. "We have already filed complaints against Justin Jacob and other BJP leaders. We will appear at the Thrissur East police station on Friday to record our statements in connection with the case," he told Onmanorama.