Overview
- The SDPI, which met in Uppala on Thursday, pulled its Manjeswaram nominee K. M. Ashraf from the April 9 Kerala Assembly race.
- Leaders said the step supports parties opposing the BJP and avoids confusion with IUML’s A. K. M. Ashraf, whose similar name could split minority votes.
- K. M. Ashraf protested the directive, walked out of the meeting, said he would quit party posts, and went to the Collectorate to withdraw his papers.
- Hours later, BJP candidate K. Surendran accused Congress and IUML leaders of forcing the retreat, even as he said he was confident of winning the seat.
- The party also withdrew its nominee in Mankada and noted it is contesting 44 seats statewide, calling where it contests or backs others an internal strategy.