Posters supporting CPI(M) Kannur district committee member V. Kunhikrishnan have been put up in Payyannur following his serious allegation. Kunhikrishnan accused Payyannur MLA T.I. Madhusoodanan of diverting funds from the party’s martyrs’ fund. The posters appeared in Thayineri area of Payyannur, featuring photographs of V. Achuthanandan and Kunhikrishnan with slogans backing Kunhikrishnan. The controversy started when Kunhikrishnan referred to a case involving former DYFI leader Dhanraj. He claimed irregularities in how the CPI(M) martyrs’ fund was collected and spent. This stirred strong reactions and tensions in Payyannur. On January 24, 2026, the conflict escalated. CPI(M) workers allegedly used violence against protest marches by Congress and BJP. These parties had called for MLA Madhusoodanan’s resignation and marched to his office. Several people were hurt in the clashes. After the violence, Payyannur police registered cases against about 200 people from all three parties - CPI(M), Congress, and BJP.