Mayor Arya Rajendran not contesting; CPM announces candidates for Thiruvanathapuram local body polls

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a bid to retain the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, CPM announced their candidate list that includes political heavyweights. The capital city, turf for intense battle between CPM and BJP, will likely see a resurgent Congress this time. The surprising factor is the omission of Mayor Arya Rajendran from the list. Reports are rife that CPM are planning to field Arya in the upcoming assembly elections.

The party fielded strong candidates, including former councillors, area secretaries and district committee members. Former mayor K Sreekumar, who is contesting from Chackai, Palayam area secretary Vanchiyoor Babu, who is contesting from Vanchiyoor, and K Sivaji from Punnakkamugal are the area secretaries in the fray. District committee member SP Deepak is contesting from Pettah, and IP Binu from Kunnukuzhy. All five leaders are probable mayoral candidates if LDF retains power in the capital.

Another notable presence among the Left candidates is film and serial star Poojappura Radhakrishnan, who is contesting from Jagathy ward. CPM is directly contesting in 70 seats in the municipality, which has a total of 101 wards. Mayor Arya Rajendran’s absence during the candidate announcement turned into a talking point. CPM district secretary V. Joy said that the Mayor could not attend the press meet as she was out of station.

The CPM gave 31 seats to its allies to contest. Out of these, CPI-17, Janata Dal S-2, Kerala Congress M-3, RJD-3, INL-1, Congress S-1, NCP-1, Kerala Congress B-1, Janata Dal-Kerala Congress-1, and JSS-1 are the seats. Candidates for eight seats will be announced later.