United Democratic Front (UDF)-backed Independent candidate T.K. Govindan on Friday met senior Congress leader K. Sudhakaran, seeking his support for his candidature in the Taliparamba Assembly constituency, with the latter expected to campaign actively for him in the coming days.

Mr. Govindan called on Mr. Sudhakaran at his residence in Nadal in the afternoon, where the senior leader assured full backing and pledged to do whatever was necessary to ensure his victory.

“As an Independent candidate backed by the UDF, I met Mr. Sudhakaran, a very senior Congress leader. He has assured me all support in the elections,” Mr. Govindan told The Hindu.

Responding to questions on dissent within the Congress over the decision to support him, including demands to field Youth Congress leader Vigil Mohanan from Taliparamba, Mr. Govindan said Mr. Sudhakaran had assured that the issue would be addressed and that he need not worry.

The UDF had earlier extended support to Mr. Govindan, a CPI(M) dissident, following a decision by the State leadership, which also led to the Congress refraining from fielding its own candidate in the constituency.