Palakkad: UDF candidate Rahul Mamkootathil and LDF’s Dr. P Sarin officially submitted their nominations to Revenue Divisional Officer S Sreejith on Thursday.
Rahul Mamkootathil filed his nomination around noon, following a grand show of strength by the UDF, which included a procession starting from the Palakkad District Congress Committee office.
He was accompanied by prominent leaders like Shafi Parambil and P.C. Vishnunadh. Earlier in the day, Mamkootathil conducted a housewarming ceremony for his newly completed flat in Palakkad.
On the other hand, Dr Sarin, who recently switched allegiances to the LDF after leaving Congress, visited the memorial of K. Karunakaran and offered floral tributes before submitting his nomination.
This visit comes against allegations that UDF candidate Rahul Mankoottathil insulted Karunakaran’s family and refused to visit the memorial. Sarin noted that while everyone was heading to Muralimandiram together, he made this visit alone.
Sarin stated, “I have not seen Umman Chandy in front of the camera. The insights gained after praying at Umman Chandy’s shrine have informed the political narrative in Kerala over the past few weeks. People know that Umman Chandy and the leader K.Krunakaran represent Congress.”
He urged not to conflate the visit with internal Congress issues, asserting, “There will be no Congress left within Congress. The real Congress will be outside.” Sarin’s visit to Karunakaran’s memorial highlights a clear political stance.
Sarin also attempts to keep dissatisfied Congress workers in Palakkad engaged amid seat-sharing disputes. Senior CPM leader A.K. Balan demanded clarity on why the UDF candidate did not visit Karunakaran’s memorial.
