The Unchira field in the village of Kalamassery is witnessing an interesting election race this time.
VN Dileepkumar, a four-term Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) councillor, is contesting the assembly as an independent after the party denied him a ticket. He will take on KT Manoj, the official candidate who represented Puthuppalipram ward in the outgoing assembly.
Mr. Dileepkumar, who won the library ward in the 2020 elections, said there were no plans to withdraw his nomination at the moment as he was hurt by the party’s decision. “I am still a member of the party, although I am sure I will face disciplinary action for defying the party’s decision,” he said. The 63-year-old claimed that the party had refused to take action against Mr Manoj, who had worked against him in previous elections. “No action was taken even though I lodged a complaint with the local authorities,” he claimed.
KT hands
Denying the allegations, Mr. Manoj said the decision on his candidature was unanimous after the party assessed the situation at the ground level in Unichira ward. He alleged that Mr. Dileepkumar insisted on the protest from the department despite realizing that it was against the will of the party. The party considered him for another department, but he refused to accept it, he claimed.
The Unichira constituency, which was reserved for women candidates in 2020, was won by Bindu Francis of the Congress. The United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate this time is Muhammad Kunju Chevittithara of the Congress. The National Democratic Alliance has not yet announced its candidate.
Published – 21 Nov 2025 0:04 IST
