Sat Jun 14 07:11:50 UTC 2025: ## Summary:
With the Nilambur Assembly byelection approaching, tensions are rising as Congress leaders accuse election officials of targeting them with vehicle checks, drawing parallels to past incidents. Election officials deny these allegations, stating that the checks are routine and conducted on vehicles of leaders from all parties. Ruling CPI(M) leaders criticize the Congress for “dramatizing” the situation. Meanwhile, campaigning intensifies, with the Chief Minister and AICC general secretary scheduled to participate. The byelection, necessitated by a resignation, sees a multi-cornered contest between major political parties and an independent candidate.
## News Article:
**Kerala Bypoll Turns Contentious: Congress Alleges Targeted Vehicle Checks as Campaign Heats Up**
**Kozhikode, June 14, 2025** – Just days before the crucial Nilambur Assembly byelection on June 19th, a political storm is brewing in Kerala. Congress MP Shafi Parambil and MLA Rahul Mankootathil have accused election officials of deliberately targeting their vehicles during routine checks on Friday night. The Congress leaders likened the incident to previous alleged attempts to intimidate party leaders.
“This feels like a replay of the Palakkad by-poll, where Congress leaders were subjected to midnight raids,” Parambil stated, expressing concern over the alleged harassment.
Election Commission officials have vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that vehicle checks are a standard procedure implemented during elections to ensure adherence to the Model Code of Conduct. They clarified that vehicles belonging to leaders from all political parties, including IUML and CPI(M), were also subject to scrutiny.
“These checks are mandatory and are being conducted in accordance with Election Commission guidelines,” stated District Collector V.R. Vinod in a press release, urging public cooperation.
The ruling CPI(M) has dismissed the Congress’s claims as an attempt to politicize the issue. “Instead of fighting the election politically, they are dramatizing the incident,” said Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas. LDF convener T.P. Ramakrishnan added that elected representatives should respect the authority of the Election Commission.
Despite the controversy, campaigning is intensifying. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is set to begin a three-day campaign in the constituency, while AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will also lend her support on Sunday.
The Nilambur byelection, triggered by the resignation of Independent MLA P.V. Anvar, is witnessing a fierce contest between M. Swaraj (CPI(M)), Aryadan Shoukath (Congress), and Mohan George (BJP). The outcome of the poll will be closely watched as it could significantly impact the state’s political landscape. The votes will be counted on June 23rd.
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