KANNUR: Fear is the key in Kannur where UDF candidates for the local body elections are allegedly being threatened by the rivals. Mr K. Ranjith, UDF candidate for Koovode ward in Taliparamba municipality, has complained that a gang had threatened him to withdraw his nomination.
This comes close on the heels of charges of intimidation by the CPM goons against UDF candidates filing nominations at Aandur muncipality.
Mr Ranjith told the election authorities that an armed gang came to his house on Thursday night with an application to withdraw his nomination and asked him to sign the application, but he refused.
When the neighbours rushed to the spot hearing loud noises, the gang escaped, he said. Mr Ranjith is also the Taliparamba constituency secretary.
CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan dismissed the allegations and said that the UDF was trying to cover up its failure to get candidates for filing nomination in these places.
“If Oommen Chandy and Ramesh Chennithala, who have a 50,000-strong police force at their disposal, could not give protection to 10 Congressmen to file nominations, then why are they ruling Kerala?” Mr Kodiyeri asked.
