Kochi: Malappuram district collector Amit Meena has asked Chalachitra Academy chairman and director Kamal to stay away from the inaugural function of the regional edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in Nilambur on Thursday due to the election code of conduct for the Malappuram by-election. The issue arose following reports that Kamal would be the LDF candidate for the bypoll. The collector’s order came after a complaint was filed by Muslim League district general secretary K.N.A. Khader seeking to prevent Kamal from attending the event. But, the organisers said Kamal would attend it on the inaugural day. But there is confusion regarding the inauguration.
"We haven’t got any intimation from the district administration so far. If they ask us to avoid the session, we will do that,” said E. Patmakshan, convener.The CPM district leadership has not ruled out the possibility of Kamal's candidature. “The LDF candidate will be declared by Monday. A few names are under consideration, ” said CPM district secretary P.P. Vasudevan. But LDF district convener P.P. Suneer said that the candidate would be from the district itself. “Kamal’s name has not been discussed by the LDF so far. The Muslim League’s move against Kamal is part of its intolerance,” he said.
