The electoral battle for the 56 wards of the Kannur Corporation is firmly set between the Left Democratic Front (LDF), United Democratic Front (UDF), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). For the Congress-led UDF, which has for long been in control of the Corporation, the contest is expected to be tougher this time, with multiple rebel candidates from within its own ranks posing a formidable challenge.
In the UDF, the Congress is contesting in 38 wards and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in the remaining seats. In the LDF, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] will contest in 43 wards, the Communist Party of India (CPI) in six wards, the Indian National League (INL) in three, and the Janata Dal (Secular), Kerala Congress (M), and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in one ward each. The BJP will field candidates in all the 56 wards.
The Kannur Corporation has traditionally been a UDF stronghold. However, dissent continues to trouble the front, with internal disputes triggering rebel contests in at least three key divisions. Rebel candidates are now positioned against both Congress and IUML nominees.
Deputy Mayor P. Indira of the Congress and the IUML district vice-president K.P. Tahir face challenges from within the party. In Payyambalam, where Ms. Indira is contesting, Congress rebel K.N. Bindu, the Mahila Congress West Mandalam secretary, has filed nomination in defiance of the party decision. In Varam, Mr. Tahir faces a challenge from party rebel K.V. Rayees, who alleges that the leadership unilaterally finalised Mr. Tahir’s candidature.
In Adikadalayi, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) member Rijil Makkutty is hoping to wrest the seat from the LDF, but IUML’s C. Muhammed Ali too is in the fray as a rebel, in a move expected to split the UDF votes and benefit the LDF, which won the division in both 2015 and 2020.
The IUML has taken disciplinary action against four members, including rebel candidates Mr. Rayees and Mr. Muhammed Ali, and workers V.K. Abdul Jabbar and Shaji Kadalayi. They have been suspended from the primary membership of the party for contesting or supporting rebels.
Further complicating matters for the UDF, the Aikya Janadhipathya Samrakshana Samithi, led by former Congress leader P.K. Ragesh, has fielded candidates in 12 divisions.
Early advantage
The LDF, meanwhile, has gained an early advantage after CPI(M) rebel A.M. Prakashan withdrew his nomination in Talikkavu following intervention from senior party leaders, clearing the path for the official candidate O.K. Vineesh, former Sports Council president. The CPI(M) has emphasised that it is presenting a team of new faces from diverse professional backgrounds, chosen with a view to strengthening the Corporation’s development agenda.
CPI(M) district secretary K.K. Ragesh said the UDF failed to bring visible progress in the Corporation. He alleged that the UDF’s tenure was marred by corruption and project failures.
Former Mayor T.O. Mohanan of the Congress countered that the allegations were unfounded and asserted that development achieved over the past five years spoke for itself, despite limitations in funding. He said the UDF is fielding 30 new candidates with grassroots experience and is confident of winning more than 40 seats.
The BJP, contesting all 56 wards, has prioritised women candidates, even in general wards. District president K.K. Vinod Kumar accused the Corporation of failing to initiate projects using local funds and said its achievements were limited to works supported by Central and some State schemes. He said the BJP’s development plan includes improved roads, a flyover to ease congestion, solutions to stray dog issues, and enhanced dialysis facilities. He said only the BJP can deliver sustained development with support from the Centre.
Published – December 02, 2025 09:41 am IST
