Tensions flared again in Thrissur district of Kerala as a major kit distribution controversy broke out at Vadanappally on Sunday (April 5, 2026), just a day after a similar incident in Olari.
Around 4,000 food kits were seized from a warehouse linked to Champion Supermarket, Vadanappally, triggering a political storm and on-ground clashes between rival fronts. The owner of the supermarket, Praveen Jith, was arrested following the seizure.
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The issue escalated when the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) workers allegedly surrounded the warehouse, broke open the gate, and forced their way inside, claiming that kits were being distributed to influence voters in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Both the fronts also alleged that BJP leaders had gathered at a nearby house as part of the distribution effort.
A dramatic scene unfolded when actor and BJP leader Devan, who was present inside the house along with the BJP leaders, was prevented from leaving the house by protesting party workers. He later appeared on the balcony, raising slogans amid the standoff.
The BJP, however, rejected all allegations, maintaining that its leaders were in the area only for a routine house visit and had no connection with any kit distribution.
T. N. Prathapan, the UDF candidate from the Manalur constituency, demanded the arrest of the BJP leaders allegedly involved in the distribution. He also intensified his attack, alleging that large amounts of money were being brought into Thrissur to influence the voters.
Meanwhile, in the Olari incident, the police registered a case naming local BJP leader Radhakrishnan as the first accused. Authorities said kits worth around ₹900 each were recovered from a supermarket, following complaints that they were being distributed to secure votes.
LDF leaders, including Revenue Minister K. Rajan, called for strict action, stressing that elections must be fought in a democratic manner. The Election Commission of India had also stepped in, initiating inquiries based on complaints filed by the LDF and the UDF.
Despite mounting allegations, the BJP leaders, including Thrissur candidate Padmaja Venugopal, dismissed the charges as baseless and politically motivated.
With back-to-back incidents in Olari and Vadanappally, the controversy has injected fresh volatility into Thrissur’s election landscape, raising serious concerns over campaign ethics as polling day approaches.
Published – April 05, 2026 04:30 pm IST
