'Rahul will lose in Palakkad'; KPCC gives direction to Shafi Parambil, CPM devises strategy

PALAKKAD: Nilambur MLA PV Anvar said UDF candidate Rahul Mamkootathil will lose in the Palakkad by-election. Speaking to the media, Anvar said that the Congress leadership is aware of this, which was why VD Satheesan dared to speak provocatively to him.

"Although I'm not as intelligent as Satheesan, I am not dumb. He is now trying to put the responsibility of the upcoming defeat in Palakkad on my head. My party will not withdraw our candidates," Anvar said.

"The district leadership had found its candidate as soon as it was confirmed that by-elections would be held in the Palakkad constituency. The DCC leadership had also asked Sarin to start working in Palakkad. However, things changed from there. The decision to name Rahul Mamkootathil as the candidate was not a unanimous decision of the Congress," Anvar said.

"Palakkad District Congress Committee had originally suggested the name of Sarin as the candidate. As soon as Shafi resigned as MLA, the Congress asked Sarin to become the candidate. However, things changed following the intervention of the Opposition Leader. The problems created by this are evident in the Palakkad Congress. They have found out that Rahul Mamkootathil is unlikely to win in Palakkad. Sarin's only intention is to defeat the Congress candidate. The opposition leader is trying to ensure BJP's victory," he said.

Meanwhile, KPCC leadership has instructed Shafi Parambil to coordinate campaign activities with the DCC leadership, following dissatisfaction among district leaders regarding Rahul Mamkoottathil's candidacy in Palakkad. This move aims to prevent further discontent among local leaders, ensuring a united front for the party.