Hectic discussions are ongoing between the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and associates of V. Kunjikrishnan, a popular former CPI(M) leader from Payyannur, regarding the potential support for him as an Independent candidate in the upcoming Assembly elections. Payyannur, a stronghold of the CPI(M) in Kannur district, has never seen a non-CPI(M) candidate win since its establishment, making this move by the UDF a significant political maneuver.
The challenge is evident from the increasing victory margins of the CPI(M) in Payyannur over the years. In the past Assembly elections, the party’s lead has notably expanded, emphasizing its strong organizational hold in the constituency. Despite Kunjikrishnan’s public stance of not seeking any political accommodation, recent interactions suggest a possible shift in his approach.
UDF’s senior leader, Shibhu Baby John, met Kunjikrishnan amid his rift with the CPI(M), coinciding with the release of his book that garnered substantial attention. The book’s popularity and the emergence of anti-CPI(M) posters in Payyannur have stirred discussions about a potential political realignment. While the CPI(M) stands firmly behind its current MLA, T.I. Madhusoodanan, the UDF’s contemplation of supporting Kunjikrishnan introduces an element of unpredictability in Kerala’s usually stable political landscape.
