In a tragic turn of events, Vattath Haseena, a candidate from the opposition Congress-led UDF, passed away in Kerala's Malappuram district just days before the local body elections. Haseena was contesting for a seat in the 7th ward of Payimpadam in Moothedam village panchayat.

On Sunday, after a day of campaigning and meeting constituents, Haseena experienced uneasiness and collapsed from chest pain. Despite being quickly transported to a nearby private hospital, medical efforts to save her proved unsuccessful.

Malappuram is among the districts scheduled for the crucial second phase of local body elections on December 11, following the first phase on Tuesday. The untimely death of Haseena has cast a shadow over the electoral process.

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