BJP MLA O Rajagopal’s office was attacked and vandalised by miscreants in Thiruvananthapuram in the wee hours of Sunday. Stones were hurled at the building, shattering window panes. The MLA’s car was also damaged in the attack.

Though the BJP has alleged that the ruling CPI (M) is behind the attack, police say a dispute over rent may be a reason.

“Earlier the CPI (M) had unleashed violence at Pappanamcode area where BJP's state office was also attacked. But no case has been registered. Goons are protected under Pinarayi Vijayan regime,” Rajagopal told the media when he visited the office on Sunday morning.

“There were BJP workers here in the office till 11pm. At 1.30 am, I received a phone call about the attack,” MLA added.

Police, however, deny any political motive behind the attack. Though they refused to give any official explanation, one of the officers at Karamana police station said that two days ago there was a dispute between the owner and a tenant over rent. Police are investigating whether this may have been a motive behind the attack.

87-year-old O Rajagopal is the BJP’s lone representative in the Kerala’s Assembly, having won from the Nemom constituency in Thiruvananthapuram in the state elections last year.