The ruling LDF will field six sitting MPs and six MLAs in the coming Parliament elections. On Saturday, the CPM officially brought out its list of 16 candidates, including two women. The CPI has already declared its list of four candidates with two MLAs.
The ruling LDF will field six sitting MPs and six MLAs in the coming Parliament elections. On Saturday, the CPM officially brought out its list of 16 candidates, including two women. The CPI has already declared its list of four candidates with two MLAs.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: LDF announces candidates to all 20 seats in Kerala

The ruling LDF will field six sitting MPs and six MLAs in the coming Parliament elections. On Saturday, the CPM officially brought out its list of 16 candidates, including two women. The CPI has already declared its list of four candidates with two MLAs. 
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KN BALAGOPAL (KOLLAM):  Winner of the 'Sansad Ratna Award' given to the top performing members of the Parliament, KN Balagopal, whose leadership as the district secretary was crucial in the party's sweeping of all assembly constituencies in the last elections, is practically the best candidate the CPM can field against sitting MP NK Premachandran of the RSP. The LDF is ruling most of the local-self government bodies, including the corporation and two municipalities boosting Balagopal's chances. (Photo | Facebook)
KN BALAGOPAL (KOLLAM): Winner of the 'Sansad Ratna Award' given to the top performing members of the Parliament, KN Balagopal, whose leadership as the district secretary was crucial in the party's sweeping of all assembly constituencies in the last elections, is practically the best candidate the CPM can field against sitting MP NK Premachandran of the RSP. The LDF is ruling most of the local-self government bodies, including the corporation and two municipalities boosting Balagopal's chances. (Photo | Facebook)
C DIVAKARAN (THIRUVANANTHAPURAM): Senior CPI leader C Divakaran MLA is all set to take on sitting MP Shashi Tharoor of the Congress from Thiruvananthapuram. The CPI state executive member Divakaran is a three-time MLA and currently represnts Nedumangad constituency. He has served as Food and Civil Supplies Minister in the V S Achuthanandan government. A senior trade union leader, Divakaran has worked as AITUC state general secretary. “It’s clearly a political fight. I’m confident the Left will be able to win this time. A change has become inevitable; and I’m sure it’s going to be reflected in this election,” Divakaran said. (Photo | EPS)
C DIVAKARAN (THIRUVANANTHAPURAM): Senior CPI leader C Divakaran MLA is all set to take on sitting MP Shashi Tharoor of the Congress from Thiruvananthapuram. The CPI state executive member Divakaran is a three-time MLA and currently represnts Nedumangad constituency. He has served as Food and Civil Supplies Minister in the V S Achuthanandan government. A senior trade union leader, Divakaran has worked as AITUC state general secretary. “It’s clearly a political fight. I’m confident the Left will be able to win this time. A change has become inevitable; and I’m sure it’s going to be reflected in this election,” Divakaran said. (Photo | EPS)
A SAMPATH (ATTINGAL): The three-time Parliamentarian A Sampath will once again challenge the Congress-led UDF for the left front from the Attingal.  Known for his tremendous performance as a Parliamemtarian, 443 among the 1075 recommendations adopted by the Lok Sabha secretariat during the recent Budget was put forth by the CPI(M) member. This has been marked as an all-time record. His debut victory came in 1996 from the Chirayankeezhu constituency, which later became the Attingal constituency. He returned to the poll fray in 2009 and successfully defended the seat in 2014 as well. (Photo | Facebook)
A SAMPATH (ATTINGAL): The three-time Parliamentarian A Sampath will once again challenge the Congress-led UDF for the left front from the Attingal. Known for his tremendous performance as a Parliamemtarian, 443 among the 1075 recommendations adopted by the Lok Sabha secretariat during the recent Budget was put forth by the CPI(M) member. This has been marked as an all-time record. His debut victory came in 1996 from the Chirayankeezhu constituency, which later became the Attingal constituency. He returned to the poll fray in 2009 and successfully defended the seat in 2014 as well. (Photo | Facebook)
VEENA GEORGE (PATHANAMATHITTA): Former television journalist and Aranmula MLA Veena George will contest to recapture the constituency in which the BJP is also a major player. In her debut contest to the Lok Sabha, Veena is hopeful of repeating her success to the  state assembly where she toppled Congress strongman K Sivadasan Nair by 7646 votes.  Veena and Kannur sitting MP Sreemathi teacher are the only two women to be ensured of Lok Sabha tickets so far. (Photo | Facebook)
VEENA GEORGE (PATHANAMATHITTA): Former television journalist and Aranmula MLA Veena George will contest to recapture the constituency in which the BJP is also a major player. In her debut contest to the Lok Sabha, Veena is hopeful of repeating her success to the state assembly where she toppled Congress strongman K Sivadasan Nair by 7646 votes. Veena and Kannur sitting MP Sreemathi teacher are the only two women to be ensured of Lok Sabha tickets so far. (Photo | Facebook)
P RAJEEV (ERNAKULAM): P Rajeev has broad acceptance in the constituency and his outstanding performance as Rajya Sabha MP, his oratory and organisational skills are being projected as his advantages by the Left camp. CPM leaders are of a view the grassroots level committees would be more dynamic than ever in poll campaigns when Rajeev enters the poll fray. Rajeev's official campaign will begin on Monday after the LDF Ernakulam Parliament Constituency Convention.  (Photo | Facebook)
P RAJEEV (ERNAKULAM): P Rajeev has broad acceptance in the constituency and his outstanding performance as Rajya Sabha MP, his oratory and organisational skills are being projected as his advantages by the Left camp. CPM leaders are of a view the grassroots level committees would be more dynamic than ever in poll campaigns when Rajeev enters the poll fray. Rajeev's official campaign will begin on Monday after the LDF Ernakulam Parliament Constituency Convention. (Photo | Facebook)
CHITTAYAM GOPAKUMAR (MAVELIKARA): Mavelikkara is a reserved constituency and the CPI considered many leaders before finalising  Chittayam Gopakumar’s name. Gopakumar represents Adoor reservation constituency since 2011 and his leadership qualities forced the party to field him in the seat held by Congress strongman Kodikunnil Suresh. (Photo | Facebook)
CHITTAYAM GOPAKUMAR (MAVELIKARA): Mavelikkara is a reserved constituency and the CPI considered many leaders before finalising Chittayam Gopakumar’s name. Gopakumar represents Adoor reservation constituency since 2011 and his leadership qualities forced the party to field him in the seat held by Congress strongman Kodikunnil Suresh. (Photo | Facebook)
MB RAJESH (PALAKKAD): Sitting MP MB Rajesh has released his report card of his performance which mentions the IIT Palakkad, Passport Seva Kendra, dialysis and cancer care facilities at Ottappalam, the decision of the state government to take over Instrumentation Limited (IL) when the Centre decided to close it, preventing disinvestment of BEML and improving road connectivity to the remote oorus of Attappadi. He had won the seat two times for the LDF, where it holds 9 of the 12 assembly  segments. (Photo | Facebook)
MB RAJESH (PALAKKAD): Sitting MP MB Rajesh has released his report card of his performance which mentions the IIT Palakkad, Passport Seva Kendra, dialysis and cancer care facilities at Ottappalam, the decision of the state government to take over Instrumentation Limited (IL) when the Centre decided to close it, preventing disinvestment of BEML and improving road connectivity to the remote oorus of Attappadi. He had won the seat two times for the LDF, where it holds 9 of the 12 assembly segments. (Photo | Facebook)
AM ARIFF (ALAPPUZHA): One among the youngest candidates to fight the polls from Kerala, Aroor MLA AM Ariff will represent the left front in the constituency to break the Congress jynx. Though there are two ministers in the state cabinet from the district, it remains a UDF bastion when it comes Lok Sabha polls. CPM district secretary R Nazar said Ariff is the most suitable candidate to upset the Congress applecart. “Ariff was elected thrice from Aroor to the state Assembly in 2006, 2011 and 2016. He became the representative of the constituency in 2006 after defeating K  R Gowri of the JSS. It was advantage LDF in the 2016 Assembly election as the front bagged six out of seven Assembly segments. The vibrant leadership in the state will also be a plus point in the coming election,” he said. (Photo | Facebook)
AM ARIFF (ALAPPUZHA): One among the youngest candidates to fight the polls from Kerala, Aroor MLA AM Ariff will represent the left front in the constituency to break the Congress jynx. Though there are two ministers in the state cabinet from the district, it remains a UDF bastion when it comes Lok Sabha polls. CPM district secretary R Nazar said Ariff is the most suitable candidate to upset the Congress applecart. “Ariff was elected thrice from Aroor to the state Assembly in 2006, 2011 and 2016. He became the representative of the constituency in 2006 after defeating K R Gowri of the JSS. It was advantage LDF in the 2016 Assembly election as the front bagged six out of seven Assembly segments. The vibrant leadership in the state will also be a plus point in the coming election,” he said. (Photo | Facebook)
VN VASAVAN (KOTTAYAM): With factionalism troubling holders KC(M) in finalising their candidate, LDF has gone far ahead in campaigning in Kottayam, fielding their district secretary and former MLA himself. Vasavan's popularity and track record of having won the assembly seat in 2006, before going down narrowly going down 2011 boosts the front's hopes to capture the constituency regarded as a sure seat of the UDF. (Photo | Facebook)
VN VASAVAN (KOTTAYAM): With factionalism troubling holders KC(M) in finalising their candidate, LDF has gone far ahead in campaigning in Kottayam, fielding their district secretary and former MLA himself. Vasavan's popularity and track record of having won the assembly seat in 2006, before going down narrowly going down 2011 boosts the front's hopes to capture the constituency regarded as a sure seat of the UDF. (Photo | Facebook)
JOICE GEORGE (IDUKKI):The LDF relies on the popularity of Joice George and the development initiatives launched by him during the past five years.  The state government’s efforts to get the 3,115-sqkm land from Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) identified by the Kasturirangan Committee exempted by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change is expected to be highlighted during the pre-poll campaigns. hailing from a Congress family, Joice broke away from the party due to differences and won friom the constituency backed by the communist parties and the Kasturirangan action council. Joice reportedly has the backing of the Church as well, further increasing his chances for a second tenure in the Indian Parliament. (Photo | EPS)
JOICE GEORGE (IDUKKI):The LDF relies on the popularity of Joice George and the development initiatives launched by him during the past five years. The state government’s efforts to get the 3,115-sqkm land from Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) identified by the Kasturirangan Committee exempted by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change is expected to be highlighted during the pre-poll campaigns. hailing from a Congress family, Joice broke away from the party due to differences and won friom the constituency backed by the communist parties and the Kasturirangan action council. Joice reportedly has the backing of the Church as well, further increasing his chances for a second tenure in the Indian Parliament. (Photo | EPS)
INNOCENT (CHALAKUDY): The first film personality from the state to enter the Lok Sabha, Innocent emerged a giant killer by defeating senior Congress leader P C Chacko with a comfortable margin of 13,884 votes. Though he contested as a 'left-backed independent' last time, it has been declared that the 71-year-old will be contesting in the party symbol this time - as an official candidate of the CPI(M). INNOCENT (CHALAKUDY): The first film personality from the state to enter the Lok Sabha, Innocent emerged a giant killer by defeating senior Congress leader P C Chacko with a comfortable margin of 13,884 votes. Though he contested as a 'left-backed independent' last time, it has been declared that the 71-year-old will be contesting in the party symbol this time - as an official candidate of the CPI(M). (Photo | Facebook)
INNOCENT (CHALAKUDY): The first film personality from the state to enter the Lok Sabha, Innocent emerged a giant killer by defeating senior Congress leader P C Chacko with a comfortable margin of 13,884 votes. Though he contested as a 'left-backed independent' last time, it has been declared that the 71-year-old will be contesting in the party symbol this time - as an official candidate of the CPI(M). INNOCENT (CHALAKUDY): The first film personality from the state to enter the Lok Sabha, Innocent emerged a giant killer by defeating senior Congress leader P C Chacko with a comfortable margin of 13,884 votes. Though he contested as a 'left-backed independent' last time, it has been declared that the 71-year-old will be contesting in the party symbol this time - as an official candidate of the CPI(M). (Photo | Facebook)
RAJAJI MATHEW THOMAS (THRISSUR): Chief Editor of the party's Malayalam mouthpiece, the reposnibility of defending the only seat that the CPI presently has in the Lok Sabha, has been rested on Rajaji Mathew Thomas. Since 1951, Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency has favoured CPI candidates 10 times. As vice president of  the World Youth Federation, Rajaji had represented the country in many international conferences. With the Sabarimala issue triggering a political polarisation in the state, the BJP is expecting a huge shift in vote share. As a constituency where the Church holds sway, the stance of the Christian and Ezhava communities will be crucial. (Photo | Facebook)
RAJAJI MATHEW THOMAS (THRISSUR): Chief Editor of the party's Malayalam mouthpiece, the reposnibility of defending the only seat that the CPI presently has in the Lok Sabha, has been rested on Rajaji Mathew Thomas. Since 1951, Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency has favoured CPI candidates 10 times. As vice president of the World Youth Federation, Rajaji had represented the country in many international conferences. With the Sabarimala issue triggering a political polarisation in the state, the BJP is expecting a huge shift in vote share. As a constituency where the Church holds sway, the stance of the Christian and Ezhava communities will be crucial. (Photo | Facebook)
MP PK BIJU (ALATHUR): Sitting MP since 2009, Biju had garnered 4,11,808 votes against the nearest candidates tally of  3,74,496. (Photo | Facebook)
MP PK BIJU (ALATHUR): Sitting MP since 2009, Biju had garnered 4,11,808 votes against the nearest candidates tally of 3,74,496. (Photo | Facebook)
P JAYARAJAN (VADAKARA):  Jayarajan, the Kannur district secretary of CPM, holds a vast sway among party cadres. His name being proposed in Vadakara instead of Kannur - where CPM is more comfortably placed - shows the party’s resolve to win the tough seat this time by using the most lethal weapon in its arsenal. Two assembly segments in Kannur district - Thalassery and Koothuparamba - fall in Vadakara parliamentary constituency and Jayarajan, who hails from this region, wields considerable influence. (Photo | Facebook)
P JAYARAJAN (VADAKARA): Jayarajan, the Kannur district secretary of CPM, holds a vast sway among party cadres. His name being proposed in Vadakara instead of Kannur - where CPM is more comfortably placed - shows the party’s resolve to win the tough seat this time by using the most lethal weapon in its arsenal. Two assembly segments in Kannur district - Thalassery and Koothuparamba - fall in Vadakara parliamentary constituency and Jayarajan, who hails from this region, wields considerable influence. (Photo | Facebook)
PV ANVAR (PONNANI):  LDF has handpicked P V Anvar, a Left-backed independent MLA from Nilambur, to take on the Indian Union Muslim League juggernaut in its turf Ponnani. Anvar’s opponent is two time MP E T Mohammad Basheer, who has emerged a key figure in national politics. has a well-oiled machinery - both in terms of money and manpower - and the CPM knows its cadres needn’t worry much in that department during the campaign.  “The Congress leaders of the constituency are backing me and so are many League workers. More and more people sidelined by both parties will join our ranks. Even after allegations were raised against me, we were able to wrest two panchayats for the Left front under my leadership,” he said. (Photo | Facebook)
PV ANVAR (PONNANI): LDF has handpicked P V Anvar, a Left-backed independent MLA from Nilambur, to take on the Indian Union Muslim League juggernaut in its turf Ponnani. Anvar’s opponent is two time MP E T Mohammad Basheer, who has emerged a key figure in national politics. has a well-oiled machinery - both in terms of money and manpower - and the CPM knows its cadres needn’t worry much in that department during the campaign. “The Congress leaders of the constituency are backing me and so are many League workers. More and more people sidelined by both parties will join our ranks. Even after allegations were raised against me, we were able to wrest two panchayats for the Left front under my leadership,” he said. (Photo | Facebook)
VP SANU (MALAPPURAM): The all-India president of the SFI, the student-wing of the CPM. 30-year-old Sanu will take on IUML veteran and sitting MP PK Kunhalikutty. Interestingly, Sanu's father PK Zackari too had contested against the same opponent from the constituency. The left is betting on the student leader's youthdom and charm  to make a difference to the constituency's history of thumping UDF victories. (Photo | Facebook)
VP SANU (MALAPPURAM): The all-India president of the SFI, the student-wing of the CPM. 30-year-old Sanu will take on IUML veteran and sitting MP PK Kunhalikutty. Interestingly, Sanu's father PK Zackari too had contested against the same opponent from the constituency. The left is betting on the student leader's youthdom and charm to make a difference to the constituency's history of thumping UDF victories. (Photo | Facebook)
PP SUNEER (WAYANAD):  Suneer is a member of the communist party's state executive and is the in-charge of its organisational activities in Wayanad. The former Malappuram district secretary of the party is expected to gain votes from the Nuilambur, Vandoor and Eranadu parts. (Photo | Facebook)
PP SUNEER (WAYANAD): Suneer is a member of the communist party's state executive and is the in-charge of its organisational activities in Wayanad. The former Malappuram district secretary of the party is expected to gain votes from the Nuilambur, Vandoor and Eranadu parts. (Photo | Facebook)
PK SREEMATHI (KANNUR): Sitting MOP Sreemathi teacher will once again contest from Kannur, the constituency that went to a photofinish in 2014. The CPM leader, who was the Health Minister in the Achuthanandan-government, is expected to face tough opposition from Congress veteran K Sudhakaran. (Photo | EPS)
PK SREEMATHI (KANNUR): Sitting MOP Sreemathi teacher will once again contest from Kannur, the constituency that went to a photofinish in 2014. The CPM leader, who was the Health Minister in the Achuthanandan-government, is expected to face tough opposition from Congress veteran K Sudhakaran. (Photo | EPS)
SATHEESH CHANDRAN (KASARGOD): New comer Satheesh Chandran is expected to carry forward the trend set by his predecessor P Karunakaran. (Photo | Facebook)
SATHEESH CHANDRAN (KASARGOD): New comer Satheesh Chandran is expected to carry forward the trend set by his predecessor P Karunakaran. (Photo | Facebook)

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