Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (SP)

Kasargod, Oct 28:  If the trend so far is of any indication, United Front has registered a clear upper hand in the recently concluded elections for local administrations in the district. Counting is still going on in many centres in the state.

The United Front led by the Congress has secured clear majority in both Kasargod and Kanhangad municipalities. In Nileshwar municipality however, the Left Front has risen to power.

Out of the 38 seats in the local municipality, 22 have gone to the United Front, with its constituents, Muslim League, Congress and the INL getting 18, 2 and 2 seats respectively. Two rebel candidates of Muslim League have also won from their wards. BJP has come out victorious from 11 wards, while CPM had to be content with only two seats.

Prominent leaders who retained their seats are, former municipal president, Bifatima Ibrahim, vice president, A Abdurrahman, and Manjeshwar MLA, C H Kunhambu’s wife, Sumati.

T A Muhammed Kunhi secured victory with biggest margin by getting 1,059 votes as against only 25 votes got by his rival CPM candidate in Turasti ward. An independent candidate, Kannan, who fought the election from Chala ward, did not secure any vote, as his own vote also was found to be invalid.

In Kanhangad, United Front has won 15 seats. Left Front has bagged 11 seats here, with five seats going to the BJP.

In the newly formed Nileshwar municipality, the Left Front secured 18 out of the 20 seats. Two seats went to the United Front. Final results of zilla panchayat, block panchayat and gram panchayat election are awaited.