In a keenly watched contest, a CPI(M) rebel candidate emerged victorious in Ward 36 (Kara ward) of the Payyanur municipal election. Former CPI(M) branch secretary and DYFI leader C. Vaishak defeated the LDF candidate by a margin of 458 votes.
Vaishak secured the win with the backing of a section of CPI(M) workers who had fallen out with the party leadership over local issues. He entered the fray with their full support after severing ties with the party leadership, even giving up a temporary bank job arranged by the party.
UDF candidate P.K. Unais finished second with 250 votes, while LDF candidate P. Jayan secured 139 votes.
Despite senior CPI(M) leader campaigning and addressing public meetings in the area, the party failed to generate momentum in the Kara region, leading to the unexpected setback for the LDF.
Published – December 13, 2025 06:27 pm IST
