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

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

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy addresses a UDF meeting in Kochi. (Photo: IANS)

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.

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. (Photo courtesy: Facebook page/Oomen Chandy)

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 himself

Oommen Chandy, in a press note in Thiruvananthapuram

VS Achuthanandan. (Photo Courtesy: The News Minute)

Out 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, Literally

Chandy 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 Closet

Though 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.