Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Another row over food kits erupts in Thrissur

Tension flared again in Thrissur district as controversy broke out over distribution of food kits in Vadanappally on Sunday, just a day after a similar incident in Olari.

Around 4,000 food kits were seized from a warehouse linked to Champion Supermarket, Vadanappally, triggering a political storm and on-ground clashes between rival fronts. The supermarket owner and a BJP worker, who allegedly ordered the kits, were arrested following the seizure.

The issue escalated when Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF) workers allegedly surrounded the warehouse, broke open the gate, and forced their way inside, claiming the kits were being distributed to influence voters in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Both fronts also alleged that BJP leaders had gathered at a nearby house as part of the distribution. Dramatic scenes unfolded when cine actor and BJP leader Devan, who was present in the house along with other BJP leaders, was prevented from leaving by the protesters. He later appeared on the balcony and raised slogans amid the stand-off.

BJP rejects allegations

The police arrested and removed T.N. Prathapan, the UDF candidate in the Manalur Assembly constituency, following a Congress-led protest in the vicinity demanding the arrest of BJP workers, including Mr. Devan. Several UDF workers who joined the protest were also taken into custody.

The police said CCTV footage was examined and there was no evidence to justify Mr. Devan’s arrest. Mr. Prathapan also alleged that large sums of money were being brought into Thrissur to influence voters. The BJP, however, rejected all allegations, maintaining that its leaders were in the area only for a routine house visit and had no connection with any kit distribution.

Case filed in Olari

Meanwhile, in the case in Olari reported a day earlier, the police registered a case naming BJP local leader Radhakrishnan as the first accused. Authorities said kits worth around ₹900 each were recovered from a supermarket, following complaints that they were being distributed to secure votes.

LDF leaders, including Revenue Minister K. Rajan, called for strict action, stressing that elections must be fought in a democratic manner. The Election Commission had also stepped in, initiating inquiries based on complaints filed. Despite mounting allegations, BJP leaders, including its Thrissur candidate Padmaja Venugopal, dismissed the charges as baseless and politically motivated.

With back-to-back incidents in Olari and Vadanappally, the controversy has injected fresh volatility into Thrissur’s election landscape, raising serious concerns over campaign ethics as polling day approaches.