By Mukesh 
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] suffered a major political setback in its stronghold district, losing both Taliparamba and Payyannur to rebel candidates T.K. Govindan and V. Kunhikrishnan.
The defeat came as a significant blow to the party, which had been confident of retaining the constituencies. The victories achieved despite the CPI(M)’s attempts to downplay the rebels are widely seen as a dent to the party’s organisational strength in Kannur and its image across the State.