Former UDF district chairman Saji Manjakadambil forms new party, joins NDA

Manjakadambil was the district secretary of Kerala Congress(J), an ally of the Congress, and had earlier this month resigned, alleging mistreatment by a prominent MLA.

NDA’s Kottayam Lok Sabha candidate and BDJS leader, Thushar Vellappally welcomed Manjakadambil to the Front.

Manjakadambil told the media that the bad treatment of Mons Joseph, MLA, forced him to leave the KC(J) and UDF.

The turmoil in UDF came out in the open when Manjakadambil, at a press meet on 6 April, announced his resignation from the post of UDF district chairman and his party, alleging mistreatment by the party MLA.

A day later, the UDF appointed KC(J) leader, EJ Augusthy as the new district chairman.

The UDF has fielded Francis George as its candidate for the Kottayam seat, while the CPI(M)-led LDF has given the ticket to sitting MP Thomas Chazhikadan.

The Lok Sabha elections in Kerala will be held on 26 April, and the results will be out on 4 June.

Also Read: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan targets Rahul Gandhi, Congress

(Disclaimer: The headline, subheads, and intro of this report along with the photos may have been reworked by South First. The rest of the content is from a syndicated feed, and has been edited for style.)