Political activities have heightened in Kerala as the Election Commission’s team prepares to visit the state next week, hinting at the imminent announcement of Assembly elections upon their return to New Delhi. Both the Congress and the BJP are gearing up to release their initial candidate lists by the end of this month. In the Congress camp, organizational and electoral strategies are aligning, with Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph likely to contest from Peravoor in Kannur district, necessitating the appointment of an interim chief.
The delicate social and communal balance in Kerala suggests that a Christian leader might assume the role of interim president within the Congress. Names like K. C. Joseph and Benny Behanan are being considered, with K.C. Joseph possibly emerging as the consensus choice. The Congress is expected to prioritize incumbent MLAs in its initial candidate list to project stability and avoid internal conflicts in the early stages. Timing is crucial for the Congress to gain momentum before the enforcement of the model code of conduct.
On the other hand, the state BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has mentioned that the party’s candidate list may also be unveiled later this month. The BJP is strategizing to build upon recent local body successes and expand its presence in specific constituencies. Meanwhile, the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front is engaged in extensive consultations, although there is no official announcement yet regarding the release of their candidate list. Internal discussions within the Left Democratic Front are reportedly at an advanced stage.
