Kerala bypolls: Arguments about civility in electoral politics dominate Palakkad byelection narrative

During a recent byelection campaign stop in Palakkad, Kerala, tensions between political rivals were on full display when P. Sarin, an expelled Congress leader now running as an Independent candidate, ran into his former colleague Rahul Mamkootathil, who is representing the United Democratic Front (UDF). Mamkootathil and another Congress leader, Shafi Parambil, ignored Sarin’s attempts at light-hearted conversation, leading to an awkward moment captured on camera. The incident highlighted the animosity and bitterness of the ongoing campaign, with leaders from both sides standing by their actions. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) criticized the Congress for their treatment of Sarin, calling it reminiscent of feudal-era untouchability.