Kozhikode: The Revolutionary Marxist Party of India (RMPI) has accused the CPM of trying to "sabotage" the by-election to Ward-5 of Onchiyam panchayat scheduled for February 14. The by-election is crucial as it will decide the fate of the RMPI dispensation backed by the UDF.
"CPM is misusing government schemes to woo voters. At the same time, it is threatening the unwilling to come to toe its line," alleged N. Venu, the breakaway group's state secretary.
RMPI, founded by slain rebel leader T.P. Chandrasekharan, says new voters outside the ward are on the electoral roll, deliberately done to sabotage its chances.
"The CPM is playing a communal card to ensure its victory by any means," RMPI leader P. Jayarajan said. "They are trying to join hands with the BJP for that."
The death of RMPI member A.G. Gopinathan led to the by-election.
There are 17 wards with RMPI holding six, CPM seven, IUML two and Congress and LJD one each.
RMPI is ruling the panchayat with the help of UDF and LJD. Now the LJD has crossed over to the LDF, its tally is down to 9, and it has to retain the seat to continue in power.
