Voice clip alleging bribery in Wadakkanchery’s block panchayat election in Kerala sparks Vigilance inquiry amid political row

A major political controversy has erupted in Wadakkanchery in Thrissur district of Kerala following the block panchayat president election, with allegations that the CPI(M) offered ₹50 lakh to an IUML-backed Independent member for cross-voting in favour of the LDF. A purported phone conversation that went viral has prompted a Vigilance inquiry based on a complaint filed by Congress leader Anil Akkara.

The voice clip, allegedly featuring E.U. Jaffer, an IUML-supported Independent who won from the Thali division of the Wadakkanchery block panchayat, appears to detail an offer made to him ahead of the election. The conversation reportedly took place a day before the election with Varavur Mandalam Congress president A.A. Musthafa.

In the audio, Mr. Jaffer is heard saying that aligning with the UDF would only lead to governance being decided by a draw, offering him “nothing,” while siding with the LDF would fetch either the block panchayat president’s post or ₹50 lakh.

“Here, it’s not one or two rupees. The offer is ₹50 lakh,” a voice, allegedly that of Mr. Jaffer, is heard saying. “Block panchayat president is power. Do you even know what that power means? If I sit in the chair without doing anything, that itself is enough. I’m trying to set my life. An option has come my way, and I want to use it to the maximum.”

Mr. Musthafa said he possesses evidence that Mr. Jaffer had spoken about the offer. “Let the CPI(M) prove that this audio is fake. If they have the courage, they should dissolve the board and face a fresh election,” he challenged.

The Congress released the audio clip to the media, following which former MLA Anil Akkara filed a complaint with the Vigilance department. A preliminary inquiry has been initiated.

The controversy gains significance as the Wadakkanchery block panchayat was evenly split, with both the LDF and UDF securing seven seats each. The UDF has alleged that the LDF attempted to “poach” the IUML-backed independent to secure control of the panchayat.

During the president’s election, Mr. Jaffer voted in favour of the LDF candidate. He was absent during the vice-president’s election, enabling the LDF to clinch both posts. The developments soon snowballed into a major political issue, following which Mr. Jaffer resigned from his block panchayat membership.

Sources said that Mr. Jaffer has since gone into hiding amid mounting pressure and investigations.

CPI(M) secretary M.V. Govindan has denied the allegation.

“We have no need to buy a seat by paying ₹50 lakh. Horse-trading is not the CPI(M)’s style,” he responded in Kozhikode.