Congress disowns C C Mukundan; to contest as independent in Nattika

THRISSUR: The local Congress leadership has taken a stand of not supporting Nattika MLA C C Mukundan, who was expelled by the CPI. The MLA had some differences of opinion with the party after denying seat in Nattika. He then announced his resignation from the party. He had also informed that he would contest as an independent in Nattika. There are hints that the Congress will field their own candidate in Nattika.

Reports say advocate Sunil Laloo is likely to be the Congress candidate. C K Vinod is also being considered. Congress leaders informed the KPCC that the general opinion is that Mukundan should contest as an independent. KPCC will inform the national leadership about this. A final decision has to be taken by the national leadership.

Mukundan had earlier responded that the action of being expelled from the party was expected and that he was not surprised or afraid. He had clarified to the media that he was contesting to express his protest. He will openly talk about those who harmed him in the coming days through election committee meetings and to the people. He had also made it clear that he would accept the support of everyone, including the BJP or the Congress. He had resigned from the CPI constituency committee, alleging that the Nattika seat was a payment seat. He had said that the party stabbed him from behind and that he resigned in protest against Geetha Gopi being replaced as the candidate.