1203 candidates for Kerala Assembly elections

Thiruvananthapuram: As many as 1203 candidates are in the arena for Kerala Assembly elections when the time for withdrawal of candidatures ended on Monday.

Poonjar constituency, where former Chief Whip P. C. George is contesting as independent, has the largest number of candidates— 17.

Malappuram district has the highest number of candidates (145) while Wayanad district has lowest (29).

The total number of candidates was 971 in the 2011 Assembly elections.

The UDF is facing rebel menace in several constituencies. Congress candidates in Kannur, Irikkur, Peravoor, Chengannur, Kochi and Devikulam constituencies face rebels. The Kerala Congress (M) is facing rebels in Kuttanad and Ettumanoor constituencies.

Muslim League faces Congress rebel P. K. Ragesh in Azhikode.