Jaffer denies bribery allegations, says cross-vote was a mistake

E.U. Jaffer, Indian Union Muslim League-backed Independent who won from the Thalli division of the Wadakkanchery block panchayat, on Thursday denied allegations that he accepted money to vote in favour of the Left Democratic Front in he block panchayat president’s election.

The denial comes amid a political storm triggered by the release of an audio clip in which Mr. Jaffer is allegedly heard telling Varavur Mandalam Congress president A.A. Musthafa that he had been offered ₹50 lakh to vote for the Left Democratic Front candidate. The clip, which went viral, had raised allegations of bribery and political horse-trading.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Jaffer said he had not taken any money and dismissed the allegations as baseless. “I spoke to Musthafa out of friendship. There was nothing beyond that. I never demanded anything from anyone. The LDF never approached me. My vote for the LDF was not due to any inducement.”

He claimed the cross-vote happened by mistake and under mental pressure. “It was an error on my part. I was under stress while voting and failed to pay attention. I have opposed the CPI(M) since my youth. Even as a joke, I do not support the LDF in my heart. I did not take even a single rupee,” Mr. Jaffer said.

Youth Congress activists staged a protest by waving black flags when he appeared at the Pavaratty police station accompanied by a relative. Vigilance officials questioned him as part of the inquiry and said a decision on registering a case would be taken after examining the legal aspects.

Mr. Jaffer said he was prepared to cooperate fully with the investigation, including undergoing a lie-detection test if required.