Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy warns rebels, gives them one more chance to withdraw

KASARAGOD: Warning Congress rebel candidates in the fray for the coming civic polls, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today said they would be given one more chance to withdraw from the contest, failing which stern action would be taken against them.

Though the last date for withdrawal of nominations ended on Friday, the rebels, in the fray against the official candidates, could approach the KPCC President and apologise for their mistake to avoid any action against them, he said addressing party workers here.

The Chief Minister also warned of strict action against the rebels who would decide to remain on the fray.

Meanwhile, the District Congress Committee (DCC) in Kannur today expelled six party workers who filed nominations against official candidates.

Presence of rebels is posing challenges to both the ruling Congress-led UDF and LDF opposition headed by CPI(M) in the state in the civic polls, scheduled to be held in two phases on November 2 and 5.

Over 75,500 candidates would be testing their electoral fortunes in the keenly watched local body polls which is seen as the semi-finals to the assembly polls to be held next year.