Malappuram: Vattath Haseena, a woman candidate of the UDF, passed away on Sunday, family sources confirmed. Haseena was contesting from the 7th ward of Payimpadam in Moothedam village panchayat, ahead of the second phase of Kerala local body elections on December 11.

According to relatives, Haseena had actively participated in campaigning and door-to-door canvassing on Sunday. Upon returning home, she reportedly experienced chest pain and uneasiness and collapsed suddenly. She was rushed to a nearby private hospital, but could not be revived, they added.

Malappuram is one of seven districts scheduled for voting in the second phase of the state’s crucial local body polls, while the first phase will be held on December 9.

The untimely death of Haseena has sent shockwaves through the local political community and underscores the high-stakes nature of the upcoming Kerala local body elections 2025.

PTI inputs