Sari distribution in Kerala creates poll row

Distribution of saris to women, apparently as an act of charity, has raised suspicions — for poll officials in Kerala — ahead of the state assembly elections.

The allegation is that the saris were distributed to women in the Palakkad district, apparently to appease voters and earn a favour for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Udaya Bhaskar who is expected to contest from the district. Chief electoral officer for the state, Nalini Netto, has sought a report on the matter from the district collector.

The distribution of saris happened over the weekend, reportedly in the name of Udaya Bhaskar's wife. The organisers of the event said the act was purely a matter of charity, but activists of the Democratic Youth Federation of India, the youth wing of the Communist Party of India Marxist, reached the venue and disrupted proceedings.

BJP's local leaders have also denied any involvement in the sari distribution.