Will CPI(M) Triumph with 14 Uncontested Seats in Kerala's Local Body Elections?
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Synopsis
In a surprising twist ahead of Kerala's local body elections, the CPI(M)-led LDF has secured 14 unopposed victories in Kannur district. Allegations of manipulation and intimidation have surfaced as the political atmosphere heats up. Will these early wins set the tone for a contentious election season?
Key Takeaways
- CPI(M) achieves 14 unopposed victories in Kannur.
- Allegations of intimidation and manipulation surface.
- UDF candidates faced nomination cancellations.
- The local body elections are on December 9 and 11.
- Political atmosphere in Kerala is highly charged.
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 24 (NationPress) Prior to the polling dates for the local body elections in Kerala, which are set for December 9 and 11, the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) has achieved uncontested victories in 14 wards within the Kannur district.
These victories arose from a series of nomination paper cancellations, withdrawals, and allegations of forged signatures and coercion, leading to LDF candidates facing no competition in numerous wards.
Monday marked the final day for candidates to withdraw their nominations.
In the Anthoor Municipality and Kannapuram Grama Panchayat, LDF candidates were elected unopposed in a total of 11 wards.
In Anthoor, five candidates emerged victorious after the nomination papers of United Democratic Front (UDF) nominees in the Kodalloor and Thali wards were rejected during the scrutiny process.
Officials noted forged signatures from proposers, who confirmed that the signatures were indeed inauthentic. In Kannapuram Panchayat, LDF candidates secured six unopposed wins after a UDF candidate's nomination in Ward 1 and a BJP candidate's in Ward 8 were disqualified due to invalid proposer signatures.
This led to LDF’s Usha Mohanan and T.E. Mohanan being declared victors in their respective wards without opposition.
In Ward 5 (Anchampeedika) of Anthoor, UDF candidate K. Livia withdrew her nomination, alleging she had been abducted.
The Congress party accused the CPI(M) of intimidating her into this withdrawal, while the CPI(M) countered the allegations, asserting that several UDF nominations were invalidated due to improper documentation and misleading proposer information.
Other wards, including Wards 13, 18, and 26, experienced similar situations with either rejected nominations or withdrawals, effectively removing competition for the LDF.
In some areas, such as Morazha and Podikkundu, the UDF did not even field any candidates.
The Congress has claimed that the CPI(M) has been “butchering democracy” through threats and intimidation to secure uncontested wins.
Kannur DCC President Martin George stated that the CPI(M) has implemented a form of dictatorship by intimidating supporters of opposing candidates.
Conversely, the CPI(M) asserts that it merely highlighted legal discrepancies in nomination submissions.
As Kannur prepares for the elections, these early, uncontested wins for the CPI(M) have set the scene for a politically charged election atmosphere.
Point of View
I observe that the current scenario in Kerala reflects deeper issues within the electoral process. The claims of intimidation and manipulation raise critical questions about the integrity of our democratic institutions. The CPI(M) may argue about legal discrepancies, but the allegations from the Congress party cannot be overlooked. We must ensure that democracy thrives without coercion, and these elections will be a pivotal moment in determining that.
NationPress
24/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the uncontested victories for CPI(M) in Kannur?
The uncontested victories resulted from nomination paper cancellations, withdrawals, and allegations of forged signatures against UDF candidates, leaving LDF candidates without competition.
How many wards did the CPI(M) win unopposed?
The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front won unopposed in 14 wards within the Kannur district.
What are the dates for the local body elections in Kerala?
The local body elections in Kerala are scheduled to take place on December 9 and 11.
What allegations have been made against the CPI(M)?
The Congress party has accused the CPI(M) of intimidation and manipulating the electoral process to secure uncontested victories.
What is the significance of these uncontested wins for the elections?
These early wins set a politically charged tone for the upcoming elections, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
