LDF announces 4 independent candidates for Kerala assembly elections, including 2 in Malappuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Left Democratic Front (LDF) has announced four independent candidates for assembly elections, including two in Malappuram district.

According to an official release, actor Sudheera Karamana will contest as an LDF-backed independent in Thiruvananthapuram Central, C P Musthafa from Vallikkunnu with the support of Indian National League, while P Mohammed Sameer has been fielded as an LDF-backed independent in Tanur. In Kasaragod, Shanavas Padur will contest as an LDF independent with the backing of Indian National League (INL).

Karamana was fielded as Democratic Kerala Congress, which was responsible for identifying a suitable candidate, was unable to find one. This led to uncertainty and concerns within the alliance. Amid the continuing ambiguity, LDF reached a consensus on fielding Karamana, potentially bringing clarity to the constituency's candidature.

Sameer is an industrialist and philanthropist. LDF earlier struggled to finalise candidates in Tanur and Vallikkunnu. Vacancy in Tanur arose after minister V Abdurahiman shifted to contest from Tirur, while Vallikkunnu seat, allotted to INL, also remained without a nominee.

CPM approached certain dissident leaders from Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Congress in both constituencies.

Meanwhile, in Mankada, IUML rebel Kunnath Mohammed has filed his nomination. CPM is reportedly considering withdrawing its official candidate M P Alavi and extending support to Mohammed. An announcement in this regard is expected soon.