UDF finalises seat-sharing in Kannur Corporation; candidate list released

The United Democratic Front (UDF) has finalised seat-sharing for the Kannur Corporation election, confirming that the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) will not receive any additional wards beyond the agreed allocation.

The long-standing dispute over the Varam division was settled through an exchange; the Congress handed over its sitting seat to the IUML, while the IUML gave its Valiannoor division to the Congress. Under the pact, the Congress will contest 38 of the 56 divisions and the IUML 18.

The UDF has also announced its list of candidates. Former Deputy Mayor P. Indira (Payyambalam), Youth Congress former State Vice President Rijil Makkutty (Adikadalayi) and Mahila Congress district president Sreeja Madathil (Mundayad) are among the prominent Congress nominees. Former Santhosh trophy footballer N. Ajith will contest from Thalikavu, while Lisha Deepak will contest from the women’s reserved Thayatheru division.

The IUML’s list includes T.P. Jamal (Talap), C.K. Shabeer (Kakkad), V.K. Muhammad Ali (Shadilippali) and K.P. Thahir, Youth League State Vice President, from Varam. Former standing committee chairperson P. Shameema (Padanna) and K.M. Sabira (Arakkal) will also seek reelection.

The candidates were announced by Congress working committee member K. Sudhakaran, DCC President Martin George, and IUML district president Abdul Kareem Cheleri.