LDF Candidate in Wayanad Joins BJP with Family Amidst Allegations of Vote-Switching to Congress
Wayanad, Kerala: In a significant political development, LDF candidate Gopi Manayathukudi from the Anappara ward of Pulppally Grama Panchayat in Wayanad has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with his family. The defection comes amidst serious allegations by Gopi that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) deliberately switched its votes to the Congress party in the recent local elections.
Gopi, who contested as a CPI candidate for the LDF, secured the third position in the Anappara ward. The Congress candidate, Vinod Kanjookkaran, emerged victorious with 432 votes. Gopi stated that his decision to join the BJP was a direct protest against the LDF’s alleged betrayal, where he was compelled to contest, only for the front to channel its votes towards the Congress.
Further exacerbating his grievances, Gopi accused the LDF leadership of failing to honor their commitment to cover his election expenses. He also claimed that his complaints regarding this issue were met with indifference and dismissal by the leaders, who merely promised to consider the matter without taking any concrete action. In the Anappara ward, BJP candidate Sijesh Kuttan secured the second position with 393 votes. Gopi alleged that the LDF’s move to divert votes to Congress was specifically aimed at ensuring the defeat of the BJP.
The move was formalized when a delegation of BJP leaders, including OBC Morcha District President K.D. Shajidas, Panchayat Committee President K.K. Arun, E.K. Sanalkumar, P.R. Thrideepkumar, P.R. Subhash, Sijesh Illikal, and Dineshan Kappikkunnu, visited Gopi’s residence to officially welcome him and his family into the party. This political shift is expected to stir further discussions and debates within the local political landscape of Wayanad.