As Kerala gears up for the upcoming assembly elections, the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) is witnessing significant shifts in its alliance dynamics. In a bold move emphasizing generational change, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the second-largest partner in the Left Front, has decided not to renominate six sitting MLAs who have completed three consecutive terms.
The decision, announced on Monday following a top leadership meeting, affects Deputy Speaker Chittayam Gopakumar, PS Supal, EK Vijayan, V. Shashi, ES Jyalal, and former minister E. Chandrashekaran. This step underscores CPI’s commitment to internal rotation and infusing fresh blood into its ranks ahead of the polls.
In the 2021 elections, CPI contested 23 seats and secured victory in 17, marking a strong performance the party aims to sustain through strategic candidate refreshes. Meanwhile, seat-sharing negotiations within the LDF continue, with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) coordinating closely with allies.
Adding to the buzz, Kerala Congress (M), the third-largest LDF partner, has demanded an additional seat beyond the 12 it contested last time. Party chairman Jose K. Mani made the request, signaling ambitions for expansion.
Eyes are now on Tuesday’s meeting at the state secretariat, where CPI(M) is expected to approve its draft candidate list compiled from 14 district committees. Rumors swirl that prominent figures like former finance minister Thomas Isaac, current MLA MM Mani, ex-MLAs P. Jayarajan and M. Swaraj, and Politburo member A. Vijayaraghavan may be sidelined.
MM Mani dismissed health concerns, noting his diabetes is manageable and shared by others in the party, including potential candidate KK Jayachandran. Uncertainty lingers over KK Shailaja’s candidacy, while Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan eyes a high-stakes contest against state Congress president Sunny Joseph.
The CPI(M) Politburo has greenlit 80-year-old Vijayan to lead the campaign. Tuesday’s discussions will balance continuity with renewal, setting the tone for LDF’s electoral strategy in a fiercely competitive landscape.