MALAPPURAM: T Siddique will contest against PV Anvar in the Nilambur assembly elections as a UDF candidate. It is reported that Siddique, who was earlier planned to enter the fray in Kalpetta, was removed due to the opposition of the churches. Sajeev Joseph will be the candidate in Kalpetta.

Another candidate was sought in the constitution after Christian churches in a meeting with Benny Behanan said that Siddiqui could not be accepted as a candidate. Earlier, the I Group had also protested against Sajeev Joseph entering the fray in Irikkur.

Siddique had vacated the Wayanad constituency for Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha elections. Siddique, who is a confidant of Oommen Chandy, has already informed the Group A leaders of his dissent. This was followed by the decision to field Siddique in the Nilambur constituency.

PV Anvar is the LDF candidate. Last time, Anvar defeated Aryadan Shaukath. The UDF is confident of regaining the constituency through Siddique.