Rahul Mamkootathil's close aide Fenni Ninan suffers surprise defeat; Big win for NDA in Adoor

PATHANAMTHITTA: Estranged MLA Rahul Mamkootathil's close confidante, Fenni Ninan, suffered a surprise defeat in the local body elections. Fenni, the candidate from the eighth ward of the Adoor municipality, lost to the NDA. Fenni Ninan is also an accused in the second sexual assault case against Rahul Mamkootathil.

The 23-year-old woman had earlier alleged sexual assault by Rahul on the pretext of marriage. The woman had also alleged that Fenni Ninan conspired in the crime. Fenni’s candidature amidst the allegation was mired in controversy.

Meanwhile, Rahul's loyalist Rino P Rajan won in the Pathanamthitta Erathu panchayat. Rino, a UDF candidate, contested in the sixth ward. The UDF has already secured power in the Pathanamthitta municipality.

Sabarimala gold theft, Rahul’s sexual assault case, stray dog ​​menace, and development stagnation occupied the major election topics in the district.

NDA, meanwhile, focused more on the central government's development plans and the state government's flawed development policies, which helped them improve their performance compared with last year.