Malappuram: As Muslim League has decided MP Abdussamad Samadani as the candidate for the Malappuram bypoll, the seat left vacant with the resignation of Kunhalikutty, it will witness a fight between national leaders. LDF, UDF, NDA and SDPI are fielding their national level leaders here.

BJP’s national vice president AP Abdullakutty’s candidature was announced at first. Later LDF declared SFI national president VP Sanu as their candidate. Following this UDF announced Samadani as their candidate.

SDPI has announced the national secretary Dr Thaslim Ahamad Rahmani as their candidate.

Kunhalikutty who had resigned the MLA post and contested in 2019 Lok Sabha elections, won 5,89,873 votes. Rival candidates Sanu won 3,29,720 votes and BJP’s V Unnikrishnan won 82,332 votes.