The Left Democratic Front opened its account with four uncontested victories in Kannur district as the period for filing nomination for the local body elections came to an end on Friday.
Two seats in Anthoor municipality and two in Malapattam grama panchayat went to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] nominees since no other nominations were filed till the deadline. These victories will be officially declared after the period for the withdrawal of nominations ends.
In Anthoor municipality where the LDF holds sway, K. Rajitha in Morazha ward and K. Premarajan in Podikundu ward were elected unopposed. The municipality, formed in 2015, covers Morazha, the native place of CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan. In the previous election, the UDF had not contested from six wards here.
In Malapattam grama panchayat, another CPI(M) stronghold, I. V. Othenen (Aduvappuram North) and C. K. Shreya (Aduvappuram South) also secured uncontested wins. Several wards in the panchayat have long been considered out of reach for Opposition candidates. The uncontested victories reflect the continued dominance of the CPI(M) in these regions, where political rivals often choose not to enter the fray.
Cong. reaction
Meanwhile, District Congress Committee (DCC) president Martin George alleged on Saturday that election officials are rejecting UDF candidates’ nomination in areas considered CPI(M) strongholds, thereby assisting that party. He said such ‘misconduct’ was evident in both Anthoor and Malapattam.
In a Malapattam ward, he said, the returning officer rejected the UDF candidate’s nomination claiming the signature was forged, despite the candidate being present before the officer while submitting the paper. In Ward 26, Anjampeedika, Anthoor, UDF candidate Livia was confined at home and threatened until she consented to withdraw her nomination, he alleged.
Published – November 22, 2025 06:48 pm IST
