Election picture becomes clear; 890 candidates in the fray, Koduvally sees highest number of candidates

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the completion of scrutiny of nomination papers and the deadline for withdrawal ending today, the election picture in the state has become clear. A total of 890 candidates are in the fray across 140 constituencies. Koduvally constituency has the highest number of candidates, with 13 contestants. In the 2021 Assembly elections, there were a total of 957 candidates in the state. In Manjeshwaram, the number of candidates has increased from six in 2021 to 11 this time. Peravoor, Manjeshwaram, and Thiruvananthapuram constituencies each have 11 candidates in the race.

With the final list confirmed, election symbols have also been allotted, including to independent candidates. Several prominent candidates did not receive their expected symbols. In Vadakara, UDF candidate K K Rema was not allotted the 'football' symbol and instead received the 'television' symbol.

In Elathur, A K Saseendran did not get the 'clock' symbol this time after the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) fielded its own candidate. He had won the last three elections using the clock symbol. This time, he has been allotted the symbol of a 'man blowing a horn.'

In Ambalappuzha, UDF-backed independent candidate G Sudhakaran has been allotted the 'coconut farm' symbol. In Beypore, four dummy candidates of UDF independent P V Anvar did not withdraw their nominations. Anvar has been allotted the 'gas cylinder' symbol. In Thiruvananthapuram, UDF candidate C P John of CMP has been given the 'ship' symbol, while LDF-backed independent candidate Sudheer Karamana has received the 'camera' symbol. In Palakkad, LDF-backed independent candidate N M R Razaq has been allotted the 'pot' symbol. Independent candidate T K Govindan in Taliparamba has been allotted the 'gas cylinder' symbol. In Kovalam, LDF-backed independent candidate Bhagat Rufus has received the 'grapes' symbol. In Payyannur, independent candidate V Kunhikrishnan has been allotted the 'electric pole' symbol.