Kerala polls: K.C. Venugopal says UDF to move ECI against Rajeev Chandrasekhar over ‘concealed assets’

AICC general secretary K. C. Venugopal, MP, said in Thrissur on Wednesday (March 25, 2026) that the UDF will approach the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, alleging that he concealed asset details in his nomination affidavit for the Assembly elections.

Calling it a “clear violation” of election rules, Mr. Venugopal alleged the affidavit failed to disclose a property in Koramangala, Karnataka, despite the candidate reportedly paying ₹5,02,085 as tax for it on March 17, 2026, just ahead of the poll notification. He pointed out that the same asset had been declared during the 2024 election, and its omission now raises serious questions.

“Under the Representation of the People Act and Election Commission norms, full disclosure of assets is mandatory. Despite this, the nomination was accepted. The UDF will pursue all legal remedies,” he said, adding that a recent ECI circular allegedly carrying a BJP imprint should also be viewed in this context.

Attacks CPI(M)

Mr. Venugopal also launched a sharp attack on the CPI(M), alleging large-scale corruption in the renewal of bar licences in the State. He claimed that licences were extended “secretly” even before mandatory inspections and classification by the Union Tourism Ministry were completed.

“Even bars that had not undergone classification for two years and nearly 200 outlets flagged by the Excise Commissioner for denial were granted extensions. On the very day bar timings were increased by two hours, licences were also renewed. This points to massive corruption,” he alleged.

He criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, saying the government’s “claim of promoting prohibition stands exposed”, as 377 new bars were reportedly permitted over the past decade.

On welfare issues, Mr. Venugopal termed the State Finance department’s refusal to approve farmer pensions as a “betrayal of poor farmers already struggling under adverse policies of both the Centre and the State.” He also blamed the Centre for “compromising” farmers’ interests in international trade engagements.

Highlighting the rising cost of living, he said price rise and cooking gas shortages have severely affected daily life, forcing even small eateries to shut down. “People are finding it difficult to survive. The State has failed to respond to this crisis, and public anger is mounting,” he said.

Claiming a strong anti-incumbency mood, Mr. Venugopal said a “UDF wave” is sweeping across Kerala and expressed confidence that the front would secure a decisive victory in the Assembly election.