BJP withdraws candidate in Kuttankulangara after protests

The BJP has withdrawn its announced candidate in the Kuttankulangara division following intense opposition from local party workers. The party had initially named Dr. V. Aathira — presented as Union Minister Suresh Gopi’s nominee — but was forced to reverse the decision and fielded M. Sreevidhya after widespread protests from workers. However, the party officially stated that Dr. Aathira herself cited “inconvenience” and declined to contest.

Party workers alleged that her earlier performance as the councillor of the Punkunnam division was unsatisfactory. Activists claimed she failed to act on major civic issues, including the deterioration of the Udayanagar road.

Matters escalated when Dr. Aathira arrived in Kuttankulangara as the proposed candidate and was blocked by protesting workers, triggering a major internal controversy.