Did CPI(M) Achieve Uncontested Wins in 14 Local Body Seats in Kerala?
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Synopsis
The recent unopposed victories by the CPI(M) in Kerala's local body elections raise questions about the integrity of the electoral process. With allegations of coercion and fraudulent nominations, the political landscape in Kannur is becoming increasingly charged as the voting dates approach.
Key Takeaways
- CPI(M) won unopposed in 14 wards in Kannur.
- Controversies emerged over nomination papers and allegations of coercion.
- UDF withdrew candidates, citing intimidation.
- The political climate in Kannur is charged ahead of elections.
- Voting dates are set for December 9 and 11.
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 24 (NationPress) Before the polling for the Kerala local body elections, which are set for December 9 and 11, the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) has already claimed unopposed victories in 14 wards within Kannur district.
The victories emerged after numerous nomination papers were canceled, withdrawals occurred, and allegations of forged signatures and coercion were raised, leaving LDF candidates without competitors in various wards.
The deadline for withdrawal of nominations fell on Monday.
In both Anthoor Municipality and Kannapuram Grama Panchayat, LDF candidates have won unopposed in 11 wards combined.
In Anthoor, five candidates were declared winners after the nomination papers of United Democratic Front (UDF) nominees in Kodalloor and Thali wards were invalidated during scrutiny.
Officials reported forged signatures from proposers, who later confirmed that the signatures were indeed not genuine. Kannapuram Panchayat experienced six unopposed wins for the LDF, as a UDF candidate in Ward 1 and a BJP candidate in Ward 8 faced rejections due to invalid proposer signatures.
This situation led to LDF’s Usha Mohanan and T.E. Mohanan being proclaimed winners from their respective wards without contest.
In Ward 5 (Anchampeedika) of Anthoor, UDF candidate K. Livia withdrew her nomination, claiming abduction.
The Congress party alleged that the CPI(M) coerced her into this withdrawal, a claim the CPI(M) denied, asserting that many UDF nominations were rejected due to documentation errors and misleading proposer information.
Additional wards, including Wards 13, 18, and 26, faced similar situations, either through rejected papers or withdrawals, effectively removing competition for the LDF.
In certain wards, such as Morazha and Podikkundu, the UDF did not field any candidates.
The Congress party has accused the CPI(M) of undermining democracy through intimidation tactics to secure uncontested wins.
Kannur DCC President Martin George claimed the CPI(M) has established a dictatorship by intimidating rival candidates' supporters.
Conversely, the CPI(M) argues that they merely highlighted legal discrepancies in the nomination documents.
As Kannur prepares for the elections, these early uncontested victories for the CPI(M) have initiated a politically charged atmosphere.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the importance of free and fair elections. The situation in Kerala, where the CPI(M) has obtained multiple unopposed victories amidst allegations of intimidation, underscores the need for vigilance to uphold democratic values. Ensuring transparency and fairness is paramount to maintain public trust in the electoral process.
NationPress
24/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the CPI(M)'s unopposed victories in Kerala?
The CPI(M) secured unopposed victories due to a series of nomination paper cancellations and withdrawals, along with allegations of forged signatures and coercion against rival candidates.
How many wards did the CPI(M) win unopposed?
The CPI(M) won unopposed in 14 wards in Kannur district.
What are the allegations made against the CPI(M)?
The Congress party has accused the CPI(M) of using intimidation tactics to force rival candidates to withdraw their nominations.
When are the Kerala local body elections scheduled?
The local body elections in Kerala are scheduled for December 9 and 11.
How did the UDF respond to the CPI(M)'s victories?
The UDF has criticized the CPI(M) for undermining democracy and has raised concerns about the electoral integrity in the region.
