Allegations of malpractices by political rivals are not unusual during elections. In a highly literate and politically conscious state like Kerala, even slight deviation from the norm assumes the dimensions of a controversy.It was, therefore, not surprising that a photograph appearing in newspapers which showed the Chief Minister EK Nayanar holding aloft the ballot paper inside the polling booth where he had gone to cast his vote created a furore. The main opposition party Congress alleging violation of the secrecy code by the VIP voter and the presiding officer, petitioned the Election Commission demanding an inquiry.

As if this was not enough, Congress leader Aryadan Mohammed has now demanded Nayanar's prosecution under Section 17 of the People's Representation Act for deliberately enrolling his name in the voters list in two places. If the charge is proved, Nayanar can attract punishment of imprisonment for one year or fine or both.

According to him, Nayanar has enrolled himself in the voters' list in Thiruvananthapuram and obtained identity card in that constituency but cast his vote at Kalliassery where he was photographed showing the ballot paper.Apart from this incident, Congress has also charged the CM's party with large-scale election malpractices in the whole state. This week the party's two senior leaders AK Antony and Thennala Balakrishna Pillai observed a day's hunger strike to focus attention on this.

To what extent, these allegations would damage Nayanar's reputation is to be seen. However, it appears that other partners of the United Democratic Front do not share Congress's concern as they have so far not joined the agitation led by the party.