Kerala Assembly polls: CPM gives up Koothuparamba, Kalpetta and Vadakara strongholds for ally LJD

Kozhikode: The Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD), an ally of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, on Wednesday announced candidates for the 6 April state Assembly polls. The party has fielded its senior leaders, including state president MV Shreyams Kumar and former minister KP Mohanan, in the fray. Kumar, a Rajya Sabha MP, would contest from Kalpetta constituency in Wayanad district, a sitting seat of CPI(M)-represented by CK Saseendran. Kumar was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Kerala in the bypoll held in August last year following the death of 83-year-old media baron and veteran socialist MP Veerendra Kumar on 28 May, 2020. Mohanan would contest from Koothuparamba constituency in Kannur, the LJD said in a press release. Koothuparamba is also a sitting seat of the ruling CPI(M) being represented by Health Minister KK Shailaja. Kozhikode district president of LJD Manayath Chandran would fight the polls from Vadakara seat, another sitting seat of CPI(M).