Kanthapuram effect is crucial

KOZHIKODE: ‘Kanthapuram effect’ is likely to be critical in Thiruvambadi and Koduvally assembly constituencies. The AP faction of Sunni clerics headed by Kanthapuram AP Abubacker Musliyar had recently criticised the IUML for sidelining leaders close to it.

There has been bickering in the scholars’ body against the IUML for not re-nominating Thiruvambadi legislator C. Moyin Kutty for his closeness to them. Another Youth League leader P.K. Firoz also was denied seat as the rival EK faction of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulema alleged that he was close to Kanthapuram.

AP's followers in Thiruvambadi and Koduvally have already started campaigning against IUML candidates V.M. Ummer Master and MA Razak. In Koduvally, where the LDF is supporting IUML rebel Karat Razak, will benefit from this as the decision has already been announced in Mahal committees there.

“In Thiruvambadi, we have already started work without waiting for an official nod," they said. They claim 10,000 votes in Thiruvambadi and 15,000 in Koduvally at their command.

A prominent Kanthapuram faction leader told DC that Mr Kutty helped Markaz group of institutions headed by the Musliyar get necessary legal documents for the construction of Markaz Knowledge City. Earlier, the Musliyar had come down heavily on IUML candidate in Mannarkkad, N. Shamsudheen.

While inaugurating the annual conference of Markaz Alumni Association Kanthapuram had urged followers to ensure the defeat of Mr Shamsudheen.
Sunni Yuvajana Sangham leader Majeed Kakkad said they had directed members to show their strength in elections.