In the heart of Kerala’s political fortress, Kannur, the announcement of assembly election candidates has sparked intense buzz. The CPI(M) district committee’s approval of nominees for 13 out of 16 seats underscores the unyielding control wielded by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and state secretary MV Govindan. This ‘power duo’ appears more entrenched than ever as polls approach.
Prominent leaders like EP Jayarajan, MV Jayarajan, and P Jayarajan have been sidelined, raising eyebrows across the district. Long revered as the ideological and organizational bastion of CPI(M), Kannur’s political landscape is shifting subtly yet significantly.
Speculation runs high that Vijayan will contest again from his home turf of Dharmadam, seeking another term. The move drawing the most fire is the shift of former Health Minister KK Shailaja from her stronghold Mattanur to the Congress bastion of Peravoor—a gamble that could test her mettle.
Adding to the intrigue, MV Govindan’s wife, PK Shyama, has been fielded from Thalassery, his current seat. This echoes the 2021 precedent when A Vijayaraghavan’s wife, R Bindu, won and became Higher Education Minister.
Shockwaves rippled through when Assembly Speaker AN Shamseer was denied a ticket from Thalassery, where he eyed a hat-trick. Replacing him is Karayi Rajan, out on bail in a murder case—a choice that hands ammunition to the opposition.
In the safe seat of Payyanur, incumbent TI Madhusudanan retains his ticket amid lingering controversies over martyr fund irregularities. Expelled local leader V Kunjikrishnan may challenge with Congress backing.
CPI(M) contests 13 seats, leaving three for Left allies. In 2021, LDF swept 14, confining Congress to two. While discipline holds, internal murmurs suggest candidate choices could dictate the battle in this historic red stronghold more than opposition strength.