Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 12 (NationPress) - A significant setback for the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, which aims to maintain its grip on the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation in the forthcoming local body elections, has surfaced as an internal dispute within its primary party, the CPI-M. Rebellions are rarely seen in the CPI-M, a party known for its strong cadre, unlike what is often witnessed in the Congress and BJP.

Recently, two local leaders, Annie Ashokan and K.V. Mohanan, openly expressed their dissent against the party on Wednesday, declaring their intentions to run as independents after being denied nominations.

This dissent has surfaced in the Chembazhanthi and Vazhotukonam wards, with indications suggesting that unrest might extend to Ulloor, where another party member is contemplating an independent run.

At the epicenter of these tensions is Annie Ashokan, a member of the Chembazhanthi local committee, who has accused senior CPI-M leader and MLA Kadakampally Surendran of forming a clandestine agreement with the BJP.

She claimed that her exclusion was part of a political scheme designed to facilitate the BJP’s electoral success in specific wards. "Kadakampally has consistently endorsed weak candidates to aid the BJP's victories. This time, he denied me a candidacy and introduced an unfamiliar candidate to our community," she asserted.

Ashokan, who held the position of Kazhakkoottam Block Panchayat President from 2004 to 2010, expressed feelings of discrimination and humiliation within the party.

"I have dedicated over three decades to this cause. The leadership has disregarded my contributions and silenced every concern I raised," she stated, emphasizing that her loyalty forced her into rebellion.

Former branch secretary Mohanan from Vazhotukonam also declared his intention to run independently after being denied a ticket.

These allegations have ignited a political controversy, with the Congress party leveraging the situation to accuse the CPI-M of a "hidden collaboration" with the BJP.

This rebellion, occurring just weeks before the elections, has inflicted a moral and organizational setback on the LDF's attempts to solidify its control over the capital's civic administration.

In the upcoming electoral contest for the 101-member Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, a fierce triangular battle has commenced, with the Left, BJP, and Congress-led UDF locked in a struggle for supremacy.