In a significant blow to Kerala’s ruling CPI-M, three-time former party MLA Ayisha Potty has officially switched allegiance to the Congress, causing a stir in the Left camp and boosting the Opposition’s morale ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Potty, a lawyer, served as the representative for the Kottarakara Assembly constituency for three consecutive terms starting in 2006, establishing herself as a respected grassroots leader.
Her political trajectory took a turn in 2021 when the CPI-M denied her a ticket, citing strained relations with the party leadership, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The rift widened as she was gradually sidelined from organizational roles within the party, leading to her decision to join the Congress.
The move became public when Potty attended a memorial event for former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, a Congress veteran she greatly admired, sparking speculations that were confirmed when she officially joined the party.
Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan had hinted at surprises earlier in the day, and shortly after, he welcomed Potty into the Congress fold during a protest outside the Lok Bhavan.
State Congress President Sunny Joseph oversaw her formal induction into the party, where she addressed the gathering alongside senior Congress leaders.
In a resolute yet emotional speech, Potty expressed readiness to face backlash on social media for her decision, emphasizing her commitment to standing by the people.
Potty gained prominence in 2006 by defeating veteran leader R. Balakrishnan Pillai, earning the moniker of a “giant killer,” and her entry into the Congress is poised to impact political dynamics in central and southern Kerala.
