Thu Nov 07 15:14:03 UTC 2024: ## Election Commission Probes Black Money Allegations in Palakkad By-election
**Palakkad, November 7, 2024:** The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered an investigation into allegations of black money being exchanged by Congress leaders, including the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Rahul Mamkootathil, in the Palakkad Assembly byelection.
The investigation follows a police raid at the KPM Regency hotel on Wednesday morning, which sparked a political showdown between the Congress and the CPI(M). The CPI(M) accused the Congress of using black money to influence the election, while the Congress countered by accusing the CPI(M) of staging a political drama.
The police, after examining surveillance footage, found no evidence of any wrongdoing and dismissed the raid as routine. However, the CPI(M) has filed a complaint against Mr. Mamkootathil, although the police have yet to register a case.
Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has filed a complaint with the ECI against the CPI(M), alleging that the party misused the police for political gain and violated norms during the raid.
In a separate protest, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) staged a demonstration against alleged black money deals by certain political parties, using a blue travel bag and sacks to symbolize the alleged transactions. The LDF candidate, P. Sarin, led the protest.
Mr. Mamkootathil has announced that the Congress will also hold a “trolley bag” agitation to counter the allegations and highlight the truth.
The ECI has asked the District Collector, S. Chithra, to submit a detailed report on the incidents at the KPM Regency hotel. The outcome of the investigation and the ECI’s subsequent action will be crucial for the remaining days of the by-election campaign.
First Piper 