K S Arun Kumar is LDF candidate for Thrikkakara

KOCHI: The LDF has announced their candidate for Thrikkakara which is gearing up for polls following the untimely demise of P T Thomas. The LDF announced the name of advocate K S Arun Kumar as their candidate. Arun Kumar well known in Kerala through media discussions, is a member of CPM district committee. He has also served as former DYFI district secretary, former president and district president of Child Welfare Committee.

Arun Kumar's name was suggested by the Ernakulam district secretariat and district committee which met this morning. The decision was then approved by the party state secretariat. Left Front convener E P Jayarajan is in charge of the constituency. CPM state secretariat members Minister P Rajeev and M Swaraj will lead the campaign. State Secretariat members will have maximum focus in the constituency. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan are in the US for treatment. The chief minister, who will return on the May 10, will also campaign here.

The UDF announced the name of Uma Thomas, widow of P T Thomas, as their candidate yesterday. This is the first time in the current history of the Congress that a candidate has been announced so quickly. All leaders except K V Thomas are in favour of Uma's candidature.

The BJP is also expected to announce their candidate today. The BJP is considering state vice president A N Radhakrishnan as their candidate. The party national leadership will take a decision in this.