EC Launches Poll Bribery Case Against BJP After Free Vishu Kits Distribution In Kerala

This report covers allegations that free Vishu kits distributed in Thrissur may constitute election bribery, with the Election Commission, police, and local authorities starting investigations and pursuing charges related to corrupt practices.

The BJP in Thrissur is facing allegations of trying to influence voters with free Vishu kits. LDF and Congress leaders claim kits containing food and household items were handed out to residents of Sivaramapuram Unnathi in Olari. Authorities have treated the episode as a suspected case of election bribery and started formal proceedings.

The kits were reportedly supplied through the Karthika Supermarket, located near the Parthasarathy Temple. According to officials, 26 kits worth about ₹900 each were found during checks, while more had already gone. Leaders from both LDF and Congress say the packets contained 12 food items and were stored in a godown behind the supermarket.

Political protests over Thrissur Vishu kits bribery case

The incident first came to light when LDF leaders noticed people collecting packets near the supermarket. They gathered supporters, staged a protest at the spot, and alerted the RDO. After this complaint, the election flying squad and police reached the supermarket, carried out an inspection, and ordered the outlet to shut.

The enforcement team acted under the supervision of Executive Magistrate Dr. Bindu T N. Officials said 26 kits were found on the premises when checks began. "Investigations conducted at the scene indicated that the distribution was carried out under the instructions of an individual identified as Radhakrishnan, and revealed that an additional 75 kits had already been distributed prior to the arrival of the authorities," it said.

Legal action and charges in Thrissur Vishu kits bribery case

The Election Commission stated that the alleged actions qualify as offences under specific election and criminal laws. It described them as suspected bribery and corrupt practices linked to the poll process. Details of the sections mentioned by the Commission are summarised below for clarity.

The Election Commission pointed out that these offences are non-cognizable. Because of this status, officials first sought permission from the jurisdictional Magistrate. Only after receiving that approval did they move ahead with formal legal steps based on the inspection report and complaints from political parties.

Alleged role of local leaders in Thrissur Vishu kits bribery case

Thrissur West Police registered a case after receiving a report from the Election Executive Magistrate. Officers also began tracing the supply and distribution chain of the packets. "We will seize all the kits which are remaining in the supermarket," said a police officer. Investigators are examining who funded the purchase and who coordinated delivery.

LDF and Congress leaders allege that slips promising free kits were spread among residents of Sivaramapuram Unnathi. People presented these slips at Karthika Supermarket to receive the packets. They say the distribution list covered more than 100 local households and that several women also came to collect the items from the godown area.

According to the LDF, local activists reached the supermarket on Saturday afternoon after hearing that residents were queuing for packets. The group was led by CPI state executive member V. S. Sunil Kumar and LDF Thrissur Assembly constituency election committee president Anoop Davis Kada. "Over 100 slips were distributed among the residents of Sivaramapuram Unnathi, and nearly 50 kits were collected. Those who collected the kits included several women. The slips were distributed under the leadership of Radhakrishnan, a BJP leader of the area," said an LDF leader.

LDF functionaries also linked the present controversy to an earlier complaint from the same residential complex. "During the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the Thrissur West Police had registered a case based on a complaint filed by the LDF that cash was distributed in the same Unnathi," said K B Sumesh, the chief election agent of the LDF. Party workers claim this shows a pattern of attempts to influence voters there.

Crowds later gathered again outside the supermarket as Congress members joined the protests. Congress workers demonstrated under the banner of the Ayyanthole mandalam committee. Leaders from both Congress and LDF said a joint complaint was filed with the Election Commission, accusing the BJP of trying to undermine the democratic process by offering sops during the campaign.

The supermarket owner presented a different account of the events. The owner said one customer, identified as Radhakrishnan, had booked around 75 kits in advance and collected part of them. According to this version, only 10 packets were actually handed out. "I am unaware of the party affiliation or political background of Radhakrishnan," said the supermarket owner.

With protests, legal complaints and inspections already carried out, the focus has shifted to how agencies handle the Thrissur Vishu kits bribery case. The Election Commission, police and local administration have each taken specific steps under law. Further progress now depends on evidence gathered from the supermarket, the godown, and residents who received the slips.