Kerala Assembly elections: 58 new faces, 16 women in LDF candidate list
Thiruvananthapuram: LDF on Wednesday announced 124 candidates including eight independents for the forthcoming Assembly polls.
LDF convenor Vaikom Viswan told mediapersons here that the last lot candidates for 16 constituencies will be declared soon as discussions are on. Of the 124 candidates, 43 are sitting MLAs. The list contains 58 new faces. There are 16 women in the fray.
Two TV news personalities’ M.V. Nikesh Kumar and Veena George have made it to the list from Azhikode and Aranmula respectively. While Nikesh is contesting as an independent supported by LDF, Veena George will be fighting on party symbol.
Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan and Pinarayi Vijayan, the two stalwarts of the party will seek mandate from Malampuzha and Dharmadam. Of the 92 seats, CPM has announced candidates for 90 while leaving Kothamangalam and Thodupuzha for further discussions to find suitable independent candidates. CPM has 44 new faces, 12 women.
CPI is yet to declare candidates for two seats Eranad and Manjeri. Of the 25 candidates announced by CPI, there are 12 new faces and nine women. The party has retained 12 sitting MLAs.
The 16 constituencies where LDF is yet to announce candidates; Kothamangalam, Thodupuzha (CPM, Ernad Manjeri (CPI) ., Kovalam , Thiruvalla, Angamaly, Chittoor, Vadakara (Janata Dal Secular), Kuttanad , Pala, Kottakal, Elathur (NCP), Kasargod , Vallikunnu (INL) and Chavara (CMP).
On denying seat to P C George, the LDF convenor said that the former government chief whip had preferred to remain a UDF MLA till last despite being ousted from the Kerala Congress Mani. Though he had given support LDF in local bodies poll, the Poonjar MLA had not taken a firm decision on snapping ties with the UDF.
When asked about the seat given to Antony Raju who had all along defended K M Mani in bar bribe case and opposed LDF, the convenor said that the faction led by Franscis George had come out of the parent party and taken a firm stand. Viswan said the LDF would come out with its manifesto on April 5.
