UDF, LDF candidates file nomination papers for Piravom bypoll

Kochi, Feb 27 (PTI) The candidates of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) today filed their nomination papers for the crucial March 17 Piravom bypoll. Anoop Jacob of the Kerala Congress, a constituent of the UDF and the front's candidate in Piravom, visited the grave of his father, T M Jacob, before filing the nomination papers. It was T M Jacob's death in October last, when he was food minister in the Oommen Chandy cabinet, that necessitated the bypoll. The LDF's candidate in the constituency is M J Jacob, who had lost in the 2011 Assembly polls by a close margin of 157 votes. Both the candidates filed their nominations before the Pambakkuda Block Development officer. The BJP has put up K R Rajagopal as their candidate. The bypoll will be the first major trial for the Congress ministry after it rode to power with a wafer-thin margin of 72 seats in the 140-member house in May last year. Jacob's death in October had reduced the elected strengh of the UDF in the assembly to 71, including the Speaker, against 68 seats held by the CPI(M)-led LDF opposition. PTI UD ARP