People backed those who left the party; LDF shock in Payyannur, Taliparamba, and Ambalappuzha

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the counting of votes in the assembly elections is progressing, Kerala is closely watching the strong performance of three prominent leaders who left the CPM and contested as UDF-backed independents. In the constituencies of Payyannur, Taliparamba, and Ambalappuzha, these rebel candidates have taken massive leads, shocking the LDF.

V Kunhikrishnan, who was expelled from the party following allegations related to the martyr fund scam, is creating a storm in Payyannur. After ten rounds of counting, he is maintaining a lead of 5,459 votes. Former MLA T I M Madhusoodanan had initially led in the early rounds, but Kunhikrishnan later took over the lead. This is being seen as public support for a leader who raised his voice against corruption within the party.

T K Govindan, who challenged the CPM leadership and left the party, is aiming for a stunning upset victory in Taliparamba. After five rounds of counting, he is leading by 7,206 votes. Govindan left the party in protest against the selection of P K Shyamala as the candidate and entered the fray with UDF support. This setback in a Left stronghold is likely to become a major headache for the state leadership.

Senior leader G Sudhakaran, who entered the electoral fray after falling out with the party leadership, has secured a strong position in Ambalappuzha. After five rounds of counting, Sudhakaran holds a clear lead of 7,774 votes. His lead is being interpreted as a response to the neglect he faced within the party.