The use of cyberspace for bullying and harassing public figures, including women politicians contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, appeared to dominate the campaign narrative in Kerala on April 17 (Wednesday).
For one, it has caused the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF) campaigns to square off against each other more vehemently in the key Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency where the CPI(M) candidate and former Health Minister K.K. Shailaja is locked in a high-stakes battle with Congress legislator Shafi Parambil.
The spirited row erupted on April 16 when Ms. Shailaja revealed, somewhat emotionally, that she was a victim of online harassment and humiliation allegedly unleashed by UDF sympathisers championing her rival, Mr. Parambil.