Thiruvananthapuram: Distancing himself from controversies over the candidature of Lathika Subhash, senior Congress leader Oommen Chandy said party workers will stand firm with the UDF in Ettumanur. Speaking to reporters after submitting his nomination in Puthuppally on Tuesday, Chandy said women have been given due representation in the candidates list. The new list will also have women representation, he added.
However, KPCC president Mullappally Ramachandran chose to talk tough on the issue and alleged a conspiracy by the CPM behind the incident. “Lathika doesn’t deserve to be pardoned for her act,” he said. He also alleged that Lathika had joined hands with the rivals of Congress party and the incident in front of the KPCC office was based on a script.
Chandy visited churches at Puthuppally and Manarcad before filing nominations. He told reporters that he has been successful in being the MLA of Puthuppally without a break for over 50 years due to the support of the people in the constituency. He also said that he had wrested the seat from the LDF. "I could improve my winning margin in every elections after that. I am indebted to the people of Puthuppally for this," he said.
He also expressed confidence in UDF regaining power this time. "How can the faithful forget Sabarimala issue," he asked. He also said that the devotees are not satisfied with the apologetic statements of Kadakampally Surendran. "It was the LDF government which withdrew the affidavit given in the Supreme Court by the UDF opposing the women entry in Sabarimala, he said.
Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala filed nominations from Harippad constituency.