Rebel candidates stand firm, Fronts under pressure

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rebel candidates have put all major political fronts under pressure in the local body elections, refusing to withdraw nominations despite pressure and threats of disciplinary action. Their presence has become a setback to the election prospects of all three fronts in many regions.

• In the Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation, where a strong three-way contest is expected, the UDF faces rebels in seven wards and the LDF in five wards. The CPM has rebel issues in Ulloor, Chempazhanthy, Vazhottukonam, Kachani, and Vizhinjam wards. UDF rebels are active in Ulloor, Attipra, Poundkadavu, Vizhinjam, Punchakkari, Kazhakootam, and Mannanthala. In Poundkadavu, a local Congress leader is contesting against the Muslim League candidate. UDF and NDA also face rebels in Varkala, Neyyattinkara, and Nedumangad municipalities.
• Kollam: In Kundara, Kottankara, Ilampalloor, and Perayam panchayat wards, CPI rebels are contesting against CPM candidates. The rebels include local committee members from both parties.
• Idukki: In Kattappana municipality, four rebels are contesting against the Congress. Following discussions, six others withdrew.
• Kochi: Ten rebel candidates, including former Deputy Mayor Premkumar, have become a major setback for the Congress. Thrikkakara has five rebels. In CPM, Pallarimangalam panchayat vice president O.E. Abbas is contesting as an independent. Former six-time corporation councillor Shyamala S. Prabhu is a BJP rebel.
• Palakkad: In Mannur grama panchayat, CPI is contesting against CPM in five seats. In Kozhinjampara panchayat, CPM rebels have joined hands with the UDF in seven wards. In Mannarkkad municipality, CPM has rebels in 10 seats and one seat in the block panchayat.
• Kozhikode: In Feroke municipality, the UDF managed to avoid a rebel threat in the 6th ward. Babu Kudukkil, chairperson of the Thamarassery Fresh Cut Committee, is now the UDF candidate.
• Thrissur: The UDF faces rebel trouble in six wards of the corporation. CPM has rebels in four wards, and the BJP in one. In Kottappura, a CPM branch committee member is contesting as a rebel against the LDF candidate. A BJP worker is also contesting as a rebel against the NDA candidate in Thrissur municipality.
• Wayanad: Youth Congress state secretary Jasheer Pallivayal withdrawing his nomination has given relief to the UDF.
• Kannur: In Payyannur municipality, former CPM branch secretary C. Vaishakh is contesting as a rebel.