Mr. Augusthy said here on Wednesday that after announcing his retirement, several Congress leaders — most notably former Minister Ramesh Chennithala —had urged him to reconsider the decision. Reflecting on his recent defeat, Mr. Augusthy said contesting the local body election was a mistake. Mr. Augusthy had announced his retirement from politics immediately after losing election in Ward 21 (Erupathekkar) of the Kattappana municipality. Mr. Augusthy represented Udumbanchola in the Assembly from 1991 to 1996 and Peerumade from 2001. In the 2021 Assembly polls, Mr. Augusthy drew attention after losing the Udumbanchola seat to CPI(M) leader M.M.

Source: The Hindu February 04, 2026 15:42 UTC