Journalist-turned-CPI-M candidate leads with 57 cases in Kerala

With 57 cases registered against him, journalist-turned-CPI-M candidate M.V. Nikesh Kumar leads from the front the candidates who have a number of cases against them and are contesting the May 16 Kerala assembly polls, a statement said on Thursday.

"In all, there are 943 cases, of which 685 are against the CPI-M-led LDF candidates (includes 617 against Communist Party of India-Marxist candidates)," the statement issued from the office of Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said.

"They are followed by 152 cases against the BJP and BDJS candidates, and then comes the Congress-led UDF with 106 cases. All this shows that the CPI-M follows the policy of violence in politics," the statement said.

It added there is no case against Chandy.

Nikesh Kumar is the son of former CPI-M firebrand leader, late M.V. Raghavan.

He co-owns the Reporter TV channel and was a surprise choice of the CPI-M when he was given the party symbol to contest the Azhikode seat in Kannur, which his father won in the '80.

Most of the cases, according to the affidavit that Nikesh Kumar has filed as part of the nomination process, pertain to cheque dishonour.

Kadakampally Surendran, the CPI-M candidate in Kazhakootam, comes next with 45 cases. Also in the list are former Chief Minister V.S.Achuthanandan with six cases, of which five pertain to defamation filed against him.

CPI-M politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan has 11 cases, including the SNC Lavalin corruption case.

Overall, there are 1,203 candidates fighting for 140 seats in the Kerala legislative assembly.

--IANS

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