Tue Nov 05 14:44:25 UTC 2024: ## Palakkad Bypoll Heats Up: Handshake Refusal Sparks Campaign
**Palakkad, November 5, 2024:** The Palakkad byelection has taken an unexpected turn with a “handshake campaign” launched by independent candidate P. Sarin, highlighting a recent incident where Congress candidate Rahul Mamkootathil refused to shake his hand.
Sarin, who was expelled from the Congress after questioning Mamkootathil’s candidacy, is now contesting as an independent candidate backed by the CPI(M). The incident that sparked the campaign occurred at a recent wedding in Palakkad, where Mamkootathil and Congress MP Shafi Parambil walked past Sarin, ignoring his offer to shake hands.
Sarin claims the campaign will gauge public sentiment on the incident and whether people consider his actions wrong. He further stated that Mamkootathil’s refusal will now deter people from offering him a handshake.
Mamkootathil, however, dismissed the campaign with a smile and stated that his actions were based on integrity and not a desire to create news. He questioned why Sarin, who previously disavowed the Congress symbol, is now seeking a handshake.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor commented on the situation, highlighting the importance of courtesy but acknowledging that there are circumstances where such gestures may not be appropriate.
The incident has added fuel to the already heated byelection campaign, with Sarin using it to paint Mamkootathil as someone who acts at the behest of Congress leadership. The Election Commission of India has postponed the bypoll from November 13 to November 20, citing the Kalpathy Ratholsavam festival.
First Piper 