'Won't change Ramya Haridas'; UDF rejects MLA Anvar's pricey demand

PALAKKAD: UDF rejected MLA PV Anvar's proposal to withdraw Chelakkara candidate Ramya Haridas as part of an alliance deal. UDF leadership outright rejected the proposal but gave hope of continuing pacifying talks with Anvar to join forces to defeat LDF and BJP in the elections.

Earlier, Anvar agreed to take back the nomination of his party’s (DMK) candidate in Palakkad but asked for a return favour from UDF. The Nilambur MLA wanted a DMK candidate to contest in Chelakkara and demanded UDF withdraw Ramya Haridas.

The proposal was too costly for UDF to easily agree and they have now reached a consensus to not alter the candidates as Anvar demanded. However, UDF leadership stated that they would heartily accept support from MLA Anvar in the bypolls.

Anvar had announced DMK candidates in Palakkad and Chelakkara. Former Congress leader N.K. Sudheer is seeking election from Chelakkara on DMK ticket. Philanthropist Minhaj Medar is DMK candidate from Palakkad. Anvar's party will support Congress's Priyanka Gandhi in the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency.