Date:26/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/26/stories/2006042613340300.htm

Kerala - Others

PDP charge against Muslim League

Staff Reporter

MALAPPURAM: The People's Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) of trying to rig the Assembly elections by resorting to violence in Malabar.

PDP working chairman Poonthura Siraj demanded that Army personnel be deployed in Malabar to ensure smooth and fair elections.

Addressing a news conference here on Tuesday, Mr. Siraj alleged that the threat against K.T. Jaleel, who is contesting against IUML general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty in Kuttippuram, was part of the IUML strategy to rig the elections, he said.

Mr. Siraj demanded that Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Ramesh Chennithala and Chief Minister Oommen Chandy apologise to the media for blatantly accusing them of bias.

He said the former Chief Minister A.K. Antony, who is campaigning in Malabar just ahead of the elections, should apologise to the minorities for his provocative statement against them.

"He should withdraw his statement before approaching them for their votes," he said.