Kerala CM Chandy Hits Back, Says 685 Cases Against LDF Candidates

Seeking to turn the tables, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Thursday said 685 cases had been filed against CPI-M-led LDF candidates, who are contesting in the 16 May Assembly elections.Chandy, who has filed a defamation case against CPI(M) veteran VS Achuthanandan for his recent allegation about cases pending against him and his cabinet colleagues, said there are 617 cases against the candidates of CPI(M) alone.The UDF-CPI(M) Blame Game Goes On As many as six cases were against Achuthanandan himselfOommen Chandy, in a press note in ThiruvananthapuramOut of the six cases referred to by Chandy, five are defamation suits filed by UDF leaders and one is regarding his participation in an agitation in front of the secretariat, the press note stated.Nikesh Kumar Tests The Waters, LiterallyChandy added that the highest number of cases – 57 – are against journalist-turned CPI(M) candidate MV Nikesh Kumar.Kumar, who is making his debut in the electoral battle from Azhikode in Kannur district was repeatedly trolled on the internet on Thursday, for a video he released as part of his campaign. In the video, Kumar climbed down a well and drew water in the bucket already suspended into the well. He pointed it to the camera, and declared, “The people of this constituency are forced to drink this unclean water.”Social media users did not take long to point out that his well-climbing stint was uncalled for, and memes and trolls followed.Skeletons in the UDF ClosetThough Chandy maintained that there was no case against him, the press note pointed out that a total of 106 cases are against UDF candidates. Of these, 79 were against Congress nominees. A total of 152 cases are against candidates from BJP and its partner BDJS, it added.

BECOME A MEMBER

Kerala CM Chandy Hits Back, Says 685 Cases Against LDF Candidates

Kerala CM Chandy claims there are 617 cases against the CPI(M) alone.

Read Latest News and Breaking News at The Quint, browse for more from news and politics

Topics: UDF Kerala Assembly Elections CPI-M