Kerala Assembly elections: UDF backs four former CPI(M) leaders as independents

The UDF in Kerala will support four independent candidates who quit the CPI(M) in the April 9 Assembly elections. Leader V D Satheesan also announced the induction of the National Janata Dal (NJD) as a constituent party of the front

Thiruvananthapuram: The opposition UDF in Kerala will support four independent candidates who recently quit the ruling CPI(M) in the April 9 Assembly polls, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan said on Saturday.

In a statement, Satheesan said the UDF would back G Sudhakaran, who is contesting in Ambalappuzha constituency, P K Sasi in Ottapalam, T K Govindan in Taliparamba, and V Kunhikrishnan in Payyannur, all of whom are contesting as independents after leaving the CPI(M).

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He urged UDF workers to unite and work collectively to ensure the victory of these candidates in their respective constituencies.

Satheesan also announced that the UDF has decided to induct the National Janata Dal (NJD), led by John John, as a constituent party of the front ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls. The Kerala Assembly has 140 seats.