UDF candidate’s nomination rejected in Kalpetta

Kochi: The nomination papers of UDF candidate K G Ravindran in the Kalpetta municipality of Wayanad were rejected during scrutiny. Ravindran was considered for the position of municipal chairman. Sources said that the nomination was rejected reportedly because of failure to clear liabilities incurred while serving as the municipal secretary. Ravindran filed his nomination to contest from Vellaramkunnu division. In his place, C S Prabhakaran, a retired senior superintendent from the education department, will become the candidate. Kalpetta municipality has 30 divisions, from which Congress is contesting 18 seats and IUML 12 seats. The LDF, which narrowly lost control of the municipality last time, is attempting to reclaim it after announcing candidates early. P Vishwanathan, the district president of the Adivasi welfare committee and a former councillor, is the LDF candidate for chairperson. The LDF's candidate list includes 20 divisions for CPM, three for CPI, five for RJD and two for independents. Kalpetta was an LDF stronghold since the formation of the municipality. In 2010, when Janata Dal (Secular) joined the UDF, the front won control for the first time by securing 21 out of the then 28 divisions. The UDF retained control in 2015. However, when JD(S) returned to the LDF, the Left front regained control before the term ended. In 2020, the UDF managed to reclaim power.

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