LDF stumbles in Payyannur and Taliparamba; vote erosion in Left strongholds

KANNUR: Payyannur and Taliparamba in Kannur are considered strongholds of the CPM, fortresses that have rarely been shaken. While party leaders publicly express confidence, there is growing concern within the party about the situation in these two constituencies. In both places, the UDF candidates are former CPM district committee members who had broken away from the party. They were also key figures who led campaign activities for the Left Front until the recent local body elections.

As vote counting reaches the third round in the Assembly elections, LDF candidate T.I. Madhusoodanan is leading in Payyannur. He is ahead of UDF-backed independent candidate V. Kunhikrishnan by 5,750 votes. However, this lead is not seen as very reassuring for the Left camp, as it is lower than what the party had expected.

In Taliparamba too, the situation is changing. As counting continues, P.K. Shyamala, wife of CPM state secretary M.V. Govindan, is trailing. UDF candidate T.K. Govindan is leading by 974 votes. By the end of the third round, the LDF did not receive the expected number of votes in panchayats, including Payyaram.

Counting has now moved to the Taliparamba municipality, an area where the UDF has a strong influence. T.K. Govindan, who had openly criticised the CPM soon after Shyamala’s candidacy was announced, was later fielded as the UDF candidate.