Thiruvananthapuram: The political landscape of Kerala witnessed a significant surge in activity on Saturday as a multitude of candidates, including prominent ministers and senior leaders, rushed to submit their nomination papers for the upcoming assembly elections. With only one working day remaining before the deadline, aspirants from various political fronts converged across the state to complete this crucial electoral formality.
Last-Minute Rush Across Districts
Candidates arrived in groups, often accompanied by enthusiastic supporters in vibrant processions, to submit their nominations at different district offices. The urgency was palpable, as Monday marks the final day for filing nominations, prompting many to expedite the process on Saturday itself. This collective effort underscores the high stakes and competitive nature of the electoral battle in Kerala.
Key Submissions from Major Political Fronts
Among the notable submissions, LDF candidates made a strong showing. Ministers P A Mohamed Riyas filed his nomination in Beypore, while Roshi Augustine did so in Idukki, Kadannappally Ramachandran in Kannur, and K K Shailaja in Peravur. In Kozhikode, P A Mohamed Riyas submitted three sets of nomination papers before the joint director of the local self-government department, flanked by supporters including RJD leader M V Sreyams Kumar and CPM district secretary M Mehboob.
From the UDF camp, senior leader Ramesh Chennithala submitted his nomination at the Haripad taluk office after arriving in a procession with party workers. Other UDF candidates, such as KPCC president Sunny Joseph, P K Kunhalikutty, and K Muraleedharan, also filed their papers, highlighting the coalition's concerted push.
The NDA saw key figures like K Surendran in Manjeshwaram and Rajeev Chandrasekhar in Nemom submitting their nominations. Additionally, G Sudhakaran, contesting with UDF support in Ambalappuzha, completed the process, reflecting the diverse alliances at play.
Regional Highlights and Additional Candidates
In Kozhikode, the electoral fervor continued with LDF's T P Ramakrishnan filing his nomination at the civil station in Perambra, while UDF candidate K Jayanth submitted papers in Kozhikode North before the sub-collector. BJP candidate Navya Haridas also filed her nomination in Kozhikode North, accompanied by Rajasthan deputy chief minister Prem Chand Bairwa, showcasing cross-state political support.
Several other candidates completed the nomination process, including CPM-backed independent PTA Rahim in Kunnamangalam, LDF's Linto Joseph in Thiruvambady, and K M Sachin Dev in Balussery. UDF candidate V T Sooraj filed in Balussery, and LDF's Ahamed Devarkovil submitted papers in Kozhikode South. NDA candidates, such as Giri Pamban in Koduvally, M Mohanan in Perambra, Sunny Thomas in Thiruvambady, and C P Satheesh in Balussery, also joined the fray.
In Thrissur district, NDA candidates Padmaja Venugopal in Thrissur, C C Mukundan in Nattika, K K Aneesh Kumar in Manalur, and K Balakrishnan in Chelakkara submitted their nomination papers, adding to the statewide momentum.
Election Commission's Update
The Election Commission reported that a total of 537 nominations were received by 8 PM on Saturday, indicating a robust participation rate as the deadline approaches. This figure reflects the intense competition and widespread engagement in the democratic process across Kerala.
As the nomination window narrows, political parties are mobilizing their resources and supporters to ensure all candidates are formally entered into the race. The coming days are expected to see further activity, with last-minute filings and strategic moves shaping the electoral landscape for the Kerala assembly elections.
