CPI(M) faces rebel heat in Unichira ward

The Unchira ward in Kalamassery municipality is witnessing an interesting electoral race this time.

V.N. Dileepkumar, four-term councillor of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], is contesting in the ward as an Independent after he was refused a ticket by the party. He will take on K.T. Manoj, the official candidate, who had represented the Puthuppalipram ward in the outgoing council.

Mr. Dileepkumar, who won the Library ward in the 2020 election, said there was no plan at this point to withdraw his nomination as he was hurt by the party’s decision. “I am still a member of the party, though I am certain that I will have to face disciplinary action for defying the party decision,” he said. The 63-year-old alleged that the party had refused to take action against Mr. Manoj, who had worked against him in the previous election. “There was no action even though I had filed a complaint before the local leadership,” he alleged.

 K.T. Manoj

Denying the allegations, Mr. Manoj said the decision on his candidature was unanimous after the party had assessed the ground-level situation in the Unichira ward. He alleged that Mr. Dileepkumar insisted on contesting from the ward, despite realising that it was against the party’s wishes. The party had considered him in another ward, but he refused to accept it, he alleged.

The Unichira ward, which was reserved for women candidates in 2020, was won by Bindu Francis of the Congress. Muhammad Kunju Chevittithara of the Congress is the candidate of the United Democratic Front (UDF) this time. The National Democratic Alliance is yet to announce its candidate.