KOZHIKODE: The CPM has received a ‘morphed photo opportunity’ to take on the IUML and the BJP at Nadapuram ahead of the local body elections.
The matter pertains to a photo allegedly morphed by IUML leader and Nadapuram gram panchayat president Soopy Narikatteri in which he is seen receiving the award for the best panchayat from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
The CPM has demanded a detailed probe into it and is set to launch a campaign against both the IUML and the BJP.
The morphed photo was circulated and published in vernacular dailies allegedly at the behest of Mr Narikatteri to boost his image.
But an RTI reply from the PM’s office confirmed that Mr Modi had not handed over any award to him. This was revealed by the Indian National League recently which demanded the prosecution of Mr Narikatteri under the IPC and IT Act.
The CPM was quick to seize the opportunity to attack the IUML and the BJP. “We will launch a campaign at Nadapuram seeking action against Soopy Narikatteri. The BJP has been silent on the issue as the morphing happened with its knowledge,” said CPM Nadapuram area secretary C.H. Balakrishnan.
He added that the BJP leaders were in the forefront in the reception given to Mr Narikatteri at Nadapuram for fetching the award.
But Mr Narikkateri denied that he had distributed the photo to the media. “I received the award from Union Minister for Panchayat Raj Birender Singh Chowdhary on April 24 in New Delhi. The function was inaugurated by the PM. I found that the said picture was distributed outside the venue,” he said. The BJP has not responded to the issue.
