Mangaluru:  Publicity material and furniture at CPI(M) Ullal unit office were set afire by unidentified persons ahead of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's visit here on Saturday which is being opposed by rightwing outfits. 

The cupboard in which flex banners related to the Vijayan's rally were kept, part of a wall and floor were damaged in the fire late last night, when unidentified persons broke open the door and entered the office at Thokkottu Junction, police said.

The vandalism came to light this morning when newspaper delivery man noticed it and informed the persons concerned, they said. 

Police, who visited the spot, said investigation was underway. 

BJP and rightwing outfits have opposed the visit of Vijayan to attend a "communal harmony rally", saying it will lead to political unrest in Dakshina Kannada district. 

The BJP District unit has also announced to support a bandh called by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Hindu Jagrane Vedike and several other organisations on February 25 opposing Vijayan's visit. 

BJP has alleged the CPI(M) heading the ruling LDF in Kerala was behind the killing of members of parties that held different political views and Vijayan was responsible for the current "volatile political situation" in the state.