With just three days remaining for filing nominations for the April 9 Assembly polls, the Congress revealed its final list of candidates, covering 37 constituencies after days of negotiations and drama. In the 140-member Kerala Assembly, the party will contest 92 seats and support rebel leaders in three constituencies who parted ways with the CPI-M. The announcement, delayed as a result of balancing factions and accommodating both veterans and new faces, reflects the party’s strategic decisions.
The unveiling of the final list witnessed a mix of experienced leaders and fresh entrants. Notable figures like N. Sakthan, T. Sarathchandra Prasad, Varkala Kahar, and V. Sivakumar, along with loyal party workers like Eby Kuriakose, Roy K. Paulose, and Pazhakulam Madhu, have been selected. However, the exclusion of Eldos Kunnappally, a two-time sitting MLA, has led to discontent among some party members. Kunnappally expressed disappointment over his omission and mentioned plans to discuss the situation with his supporters.
In a significant move, Sandeep Warrier, who joined the Congress in November 2024, will contest from the CPI-M stronghold of Thrikaripur, setting the stage for a competitive electoral battle. Additionally, the Congress has opted to support three CPI-M dissidents, including former Minister G. Sudhakaran, P.K. Sasi, and T.K. Govindan, who have openly criticized their party leadership. The party’s decision has now shifted the focus to how those denied tickets will react, potentially leading to further unrest as the electoral battle intensifies.
