Published Apr 06, 2026 | 3:53 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 06, 2026 | 3:53 PM
Nattika Congress Block Committee Vice President PK Firoz has accused TN Prathapan of striking a covert deal with the BJP. (Wikimedia Commons)
Synopsis: The Congress’s Nattika Block Committee Vice President PK Firoz alleged that the party’s Manalur candidate TN Prathapan took ₹8 crore from the BJP to ensure the victory of Suresh Gopi in Thrissur during the Lok Sabha elections. The allegation, made at a press conference held at the CPI(M)’s district committee office, came even as the Congress was protesting against the BJP’s alleged distribution of Vishu food kits. The Congress has refuted the allegation.
With just two days left for polling, the Congress party in Thrissur has been jolted by explosive allegations from within its own ranks, targeting UDF’s Manalur candidate TN Prathapan.
Nattika Congress Block Committee Vice President PK Firoz has accused Prathapan of striking a covert deal with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the last Lok Sabha elections to facilitate the victory of BJP leader Suresh Gopi in Thrissur.
Addressing a press conference at the district committee office of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), Firoz alleged that Prathapan had accepted ₹8 crore from BJP leaders and switched political loyalties strategically.
“He was Congress in the morning and BJP in the evening,” Firoz claimed, adding that he had personally witnessed the alleged transaction.
Firoz further alleged that the recent controversy surrounding the distribution of kits in Vadanappally was part of a planned collusion between Prathapan and BJP leaders to influence minority votes.
Police had briefly detained Prathapan on Sunday, 5 April, following a scuffle between Congress and BJP workers at Vadanapally in Thrissur. The Congress workers were protesting against the alleged distribution of Vishu kits by the BJP.
According to him, both Muslim and Christian communities—each comprising around 20% of the electorate—were being targeted through coordinated efforts.
He also alleged a broader electoral understanding between Prathapan and BJP candidate B. Gopalakrishnan in Guruvayur, suggesting a mutual arrangement: BJP support in Manalur in exchange for Congress backing in Guruvayur.
Manalur, a key constituency in Thrissur, is witnessing a tight contest this election, with former minister C Raveendranath representing the LDF and KK Aneeshkumar contesting for the NDA.
The timing of the allegations—just days before 9 April polling—has intensified political tensions in the district.
Meanwhile, the Indian National Congress has dismissed the claims, stating that no such deal has been substantiated.
The controversy has added a dramatic twist to the election narrative in Thrissur.
