Perambra (Kerala), April 3 (AHN) The controversy over an alleged communal campaign announcement in Perambra intensified on Friday, with CPI-M-led LDF candidate T.P. Ramakrishnan asserting that he has not received any notice from the Election Commission based on a complaint by the UDF.

Breaking his silence after releasing the LDF’s constituency manifesto, Ramakrishnan maintained that no formal communication had reached him from the Returning Officer.

He dismissed the allegations as attempts to vitiate the "peaceful atmosphere" in Perambra and said the campaign material, including the pen drive used for announcements, was available for scrutiny.

"Let there be an inquiry. I will respond in detail after that," he said, while also expressing irritation over what he termed a "rush to blame" the LDF.

"If the notice comes, we will reply to it, and there is no need to go after looking if the notice has come," a peeved Ramakrishnan said.

The row stems from a controversial audio announcement allegedly used in campaign vehicles, which the UDF claims sought to provoke communal sentiments.

The message reportedly suggested that Indian Union Muslim League workers were canvassing votes along community lines, urging support for "a candidate from our community".

UDF candidate Fathima Thahliya has accused the LDF of attempting to polarise voters by targeting a specific community.

Acting on the complaint, the Kozhikode Deputy Collector issued a notice citing prima facie violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

Election authorities have indicated that further action will depend on the candidate’s explanation.

However, Ramakrishnan’s denial of having received any notice has added a fresh layer of contention to the issue.

The UDF has submitted documentary evidence, including the campaign vehicle’s registration details, audio clips, and permission records, alleging the announcement was recorded at a studio in Naduvannur and carried the voice of a CPI-M leader.

The matter reportedly surfaced after a local resident tracked the vehicle and collected evidence.

Initially distancing itself from the vehicle, the CPI-M has since come under pressure as documents linked it to the campaign.

The opposition has drawn parallels with earlier controversies, alleging a pattern of communal messaging amid mounting electoral pressure.

With the UDF citing recent electoral gains in the constituency, including a decisive Lok Sabha lead and local body victories, political observers view the escalating row as a flashpoint in an increasingly high-stakes contest, with both fronts hardening their positions ahead of polling.

Reacting to the controversy, IUML supremo Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal said what’s happening is really unfortunate because elections will be over soon, and the people will all be here and fanning such sentiments is not good.