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). In the key Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF) campaigns have intensified due to online harassment and humiliation allegations. Former Health Minister K.K. Shailaja of the CPI(M) and Congress legislator Shafi Parambil are locked in a high-stakes battle. Ms. Shailaja claimed to be a victim of online harassment and revealed that UDF sympathizers had used morphed images with salacious content to dehumanize her. She further said that the slanderous images were spread across social media platforms in Vadakara, burying her political messaging. Despite alerting the police, Ms. Shailaja did not receive any help. The CPI(M) used her appeal and turned the tables on the UDF in Vadakara, gaining sympathy from voters. The Revolutionary Marxist Party (RMP) leader and Congress ally, K.K. Rema, supported Ms. Shailaja but criticized the CPI(M) for linking the offense to Mr. Parambil without evidence. The UDF condemned the online vilification but distanced itself from the offense. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan accused Ms. Shailaja of playing the victim and diverting attention from the tough questions she faced on the campaign trail. He also criticized the police and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for not acting promptly on her complaint. The State police arrested an IUML supporter in connection with Ms. Shailaja’s complaint.