KOZHIKODE: Workers and local leaders of ruling parties are upset at the unending bargaining and infighting over seats in the United Democratic Front (UDF) hitting finalisation of candidates.
They are awaiting confirmation of contestants to hit the campaign trail. While the talks are going on, Congress party sources said, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had dismissed the idea of exchanging Kuttyadi with Nadapuram.
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) district president Ummer Pandikasala has also made it clear that his party was no way willing to part with Thiruvambadi where the CPI-M had hinted at repeating the Idukki model. As the Kuttyadi-Nadapuram exchange is almost off, the only chance is between Balussery and Kunnamangalam.
If the IUML agrees to take Balussery, former legislator U. C. Raman would be the ideal candidate. In that case, prospective candidates for Kunnamangalam would be DCC president K.C. Abu, T. Siddique or district panchayat former member Dinesh Perumanna. Mr Abu is also a front-runner for the Nadapuram, followed by V. M. Chandran and K. P. Rajan.
Fixing a suitable candidate and giving a good fight to A. Pradeepkumar (CPM) in Kozhikode North is another challenge. P. M. Suresh Babu, K Jayanth and councillor Vidya Balakrishnan are in the race here.
