Sun Nov 09 15:54:16 UTC 2025: Summary:
The upcoming Kochi Corporation civic polls are witnessing unusual political shifts. Several prominent leaders have switched parties and are contesting from opposing political camps. Key examples include a former CPI(M) member running on the UDF ticket and a former Congress member contesting for the CPI(M). Additionally, former colleagues from the Indian Union Muslim League will be rivals in the Kaloor North division, representing different parties. A former Congress and RSP(B) member has joined the BJP and is expected to contest. Family members of former councillors are also participating in the election. The complete list of candidates from all political fronts is expected to be announced soon.
News Article:
Political Uproar in Kochi as Civic Polls See Party Defections and Unexpected Alliances
KOCHI, India – November 9, 2025 – The political landscape of Kochi is experiencing a significant shake-up as the upcoming Kochi Corporation civic polls are set to feature a series of surprising candidate affiliations and inter-party rivalries. Several prominent political figures have switched loyalties, leading to unexpected matchups across various divisions.
Among the notable changes, V.P. Chandran, formerly associated with the CPI(M), will be contesting the Vyttila division as a United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate. Similarly, A.B. Sabu, a former District Congress Committee member, has joined the CPI(M) and will represent the party in the same division.
Adding to the intrigue, K.J. Antony, a former Leader of the Opposition in the Kochi Corporation Council and a CPI(M) member, will be running as an independent candidate backed by the UDF from the Nazareth division.
Other key shifts include M.B. Muralidharan, a three-term Congress councillor who joined the CPI(M) a few years ago, who will be the party’s candidate from the Vennala division, where the Congress leadership are finding an appropriate person to run against him.
The Kaloor North division will see a direct contest between T.K. Asharaf and P.M. Harris, former colleagues from the Indian Union Muslim League, now representing different parties. Furthermore, Sunitha Dixon, the works standing committee chairperson of the Kochi Corporation, has recently joined the BJP and is expected to compete in the Ponnurunni division.
Family members of prominent political figures will also be participating, including Shiras Bava, the grandson of K.M. Hamsakunju, and Mary Sharon, the wife of outgoing councillor J. Sanilmon, both contesting under the UDF banner.
The complete list of candidates from all political fronts is anticipated to be revealed in the coming days. The shifting allegiances and the presence of fresh faces suggest a highly competitive and unpredictable election cycle for the Kochi Corporation.
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