UDF-backed Independent MLA starts rebuilding wall demolished in post-poll violence in Payyannur

Former CPI(M) leader P V Kunhikrishnan, who won the Assembly election as a UDF-backed Independent candidate, on Sunday inaugurated the reconstruction of a compound wall that was allegedly demolished after it was used to display his election campaign murals in Payyannur here. The compound wall carrying campaign graffiti in support of Kunhikrishnan was allegedly demolished by CPI(M) workers on April 9 after polling. Payyannur is considered a stronghold of Left parties and this is the first time the LDF has lost the constituency. Kunhikrishnan was expelled from the CPI(M) after raising allegations of corruption in party fund collection against former MLA T I Madhusoodanan. Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the reconstruction work, Kunhikrishnan said violence in Payyannur after the election had subsided temporarily following the change in government. He alleged that after polling, houses were attacked, vehicles were burnt and violence spread across the constituency without any provocation. ''We feared that there would be violence after the counting of votes, and the police were also cautious. However, the major defeat suffered by the CPI(M) and the change in government resulted in no violence after the counting,'' he said. He said the wall was demolished because the owner had permitted his supporters to paint campaign messages on it. ''The wall was demolished only because the owner gave us permission for wall writing. So we took responsibility for the damage and had promised reconstruction. There was a delay as we had an understanding that the work would be carried out after the election results, considering the situation. Now we have started the work,'' he said. Kunhikrishnan said 22 FIRs had been registered in connection with violence during the campaign and post-poll period in Payyannur. ''In only one case have the accused been arrested,'' he alleged. ''As there has been a change in government, we have strongly demanded that the police trace the accused and bring them before the law. We believe that due to the influence of the previous government, no action was taken earlier. That situation will not continue now after the change in government. We hope action will be taken,'' he said. He added that he did not believe violence in Payyannur had been completely eliminated and expressed hope that police would act firmly. Kunhikrishnan also said that after his election victory, he visited four panchayats in the constituency and several development-related demands were raised by the public. ''To address development-related issues, we are planning to organise a major convention in the constituency where people can submit their proposals. Representatives of local bodies will also attend. After the convention, we will formulate and implement a development plan,'' he said. On the ongoing discussions in the Congress over the selection of the Chief Minister, Kunhikrishnan said it was an internal matter of the party and declined to comment further.

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