Election fever grips Kerala as LDF partners reshuffle decks for the assembly showdown. In a stark generational pivot, CPI has barred six three-term MLAs from contesting, signaling a new era.
Prominent exclusions encompass Deputy Speaker Chittayam Gopakumar, former minister E. Chandrashekaran, and peers PS Supal, EK Vijayan, V. Shashi, ES Jyalal—outcome of rigorous leadership deliberations on Monday.
Building on 17 victories across 23 seats in 2021, CPI eyes continuity via innovation. Parallelly, seat haggles escalate, highlighted by Kerala Congress (M)’s bid for an extra slot, voiced by Jose K. Mani over their last 12 nominations.
All spotlights converge on CPI(M)’s Tuesday conclave at the secretariat for candidate list ratification, synthesized from 14 districts. Buzz indicates absences of luminaries including Thomas Isaac, MM Mani, P. Jayarajan, M. Swaraj, and A. Vijayaraghavan.
MM Mani parried queries with nonchalance, citing party preoccupations over health woes like his diabetes, echoed in figures such as approved local hopeful KK Jayachandran.
Intrigue surrounds KK Shailaja’s inclusion, possibly clearing decks for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s marquee clash against Congress heavyweight Sunny Joseph. Politburo-backed to drive the campaign at 80, Vijayan embodies LDF resilience.
These developments, amid CPI(M)’s prior haul of 62 from 75 seats, underscore a calculated blend of prudence and progress. As final lineups crystallize, Kerala’s voters brace for a redefined electoral battlefield.