On Tuesday, the electoral battle lines were drawn in Kerala with the Indian National Congress publishing its initial list of 55 nominees in the state Assembly elections and its ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), doing the same with 25 of its nominees. These announcements have seen the major political fronts virtually complete their line-ups in the polls due on April 9 in all the 140 constituencies.
The ruling Left Democratic front (LDF) has to date announced 130 candidates, the opposition United Democratic front (UDF) 95 and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) 75. The major constituencies that are likely to see a great battle are Nemom, Vattiyoorkavu, Peravoor and Palakkad where LDF hopes to receive a historic third term.
The Congress was left with 19 sitting MLAs with high-profile figures like VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala and Sunny Joseph. It, however, replaced Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil over grave charges with a high profile contest with BJP Sobha Surendran, with actor-director Ramesh Pisharody.
Other prominent candidates are K Muraleedharan of Vattiyoorkavu and Ramya Haridas of Chirayankeezhu. The announcements have heightened political activities with alliances preparing to have a tight race in the state.
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates
Click Here for Chhattisgarh News
Click Here for Entertainment News