Defeated UDF candidates in Mattathur allege former DCC secretary T.M. Chandran misled voters about the Congress party symbol, causing their loss and benefiting the BJP alliance. They claim voters were told the umbrella symbol, not the hand, was official, leading to confusion and portraying UDF candidates as rebels. The leaders warned against Chandran's readmission into the party, stating it would force their political silence and that his actions aligned with BJP interests.