KOCHI: Arun Kumar, who was initially rumoured to be the Left candidate in the Thrikkakara by-election, said that there is no confusion about the candidature in the by-election. Arun Kumar said that he would work in unity for the Left Front in the by-elections and that the LDF would complete a century in the Assembly. He, however, avoided questions about rumours about his candidacy and said it was all explained by the Left leaders.

Arun Kumar was one of the first names to emerge as the candidate in the Thrikkakara by-election. Some party workers even began election campaign for Arun Kumar. But later this evening, an announcement was made that cardiologist Joe Joseph had been nominated as the Left candidate.

Arun Kumar said that the LDF candidate is a good doctor, a good public servant and a good writer and that he would do active campaigning for him. He added that he was not afraid of trolls associated with the candidate announcement and saw it only as political.

Joe Joseph will contest as the CPM's candidate.

EP Jayarajan shared the hope that the Left Front would register a big victory in Thrikkakara. EP Jayarajan said in a press conference that the Left Front is approaching the people for the comprehensive development of Kerala and that the delay in announcing the candidate was because the process was not completed.