Sun Jun 22 05:58:32 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:

**Summary:**

K Manikandan, convicted in the Periya double murder case, resigned from his position as Kanhangad Block panchayat president and member ahead of a likely disqualification by the Election Commission. Manikandan cited personal and political reasons but later attributed the resignation to ethical considerations aligning with Communist principles. The move is seen as a preemptive tactic to avoid disqualification that could harm the LDF politically before upcoming local elections. His resignation was approved by the party but delayed until after the Nilambur by-election. No by-election will be held for his ward due to the short time remaining in the current term.

**News Article:**

**Periya Murder Convict Manikandan Resigns Ahead of Disqualification Hearing**

**KASARAGOD, June 22, 2025** – K Manikandan, convicted in the Periya double murder case, has resigned from his post as Kanhangad Block panchayat president and member. The resignation comes just ahead of a scheduled ruling by the Election Commission on a disqualification complaint filed against him.

Manikandan initially stated personal and political reasons for stepping down. However, in a subsequent Facebook post, he framed his departure as an ethical decision rooted in Communist ideals of public service.

The resignation is widely interpreted as a strategic move to avoid potential disqualification following his conviction in the Periya double murder case. A disqualification could have significant political repercussions for the ruling LDF in the lead-up to local body elections. According to UDF sources, the LDF aimed to prevent opposition parties from using this issue as political ammunition.

Party sources confirmed that the resignation had been approved internally but was strategically delayed until after the Nilambur by-election. With only a few months remaining in the current term, no by-election will be held for Manikandan’s ward.

In his Facebook post, Manikandan likened public service to challenging seas and described his resignation as a part of a transition. He thanked supporters for their continued belief in his leadership.

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