KOCHI: Dr Joe Joseph is the LDF candidate for Thrikkakara bypolls. LDF convenor E P Jayarajan announced his name at the press meet convened here. Dr Joe Joseph, a native of Vazhakala is a heart specialist of Lisie Hospital. E P addressed him as a gem of a person. He will contest as the CPM's candidate.

Jayarajan shared the hope that the Left Front would get a big victory in Thrikkakara. Jayarajan said the Left Front is approaching the people for the comprehensive development of Kerala and that the delay in announcing the candidate was due to the fact that the process was not completed.

The CPM district secretariat meeting convened yesterday had chosen DYFI leader advocate K S Arun Kumar as their candidate but rectified it within hours. Then there were reports that a Congress leader might be the LDF candidate.

Uma Thomas, wife of P T Thomas, is the UDF candidate for Thrikkakara. The UDF announced her name on Tuesday.