The Congress in Kerala is set to re-nominate 20 out of its 22 sitting MLAs for the upcoming Assembly elections. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan and KPCC president Sunny Joseph will head to New Delhi to finalize the candidates in the first phase. The initial list, expected soon after consultations with the central leadership, will focus on continuity and stability within the state unit.
The names are anticipated to be approved in stages, with the first list comprising 20 incumbents and candidates in constituencies where there is a single aspirant backed by the national leadership. Notably, two sitting MLAs are unlikely to be included in the list. Six-time legislator K. Babu has declined to be considered for re-election, while expelled MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, facing multiple rape cases, is also not expected to feature.
In the previous elections, the Congress contested 95 seats out of the 140-member Kerala Legislative Assembly, leaving the rest for its United Democratic Front (UDF) allies. A similar seat-sharing arrangement is foreseen this time, with ongoing discussions with allies. The consultations in Delhi are crucial for projecting unity and decisiveness amidst the state’s political buzz.
By swiftly confirming most of its sitting MLAs, the party aims to reduce internal conflicts and offer candidates ample time to strengthen their local networks. Additionally, the Congress’s feeder organizations have submitted lists of aspirants to the leadership. The phased announcement strategy is designed to balance continuity with strategic adjustments in specific constituencies.
