CPM’s independent gambit: Muslim League’s Mankada chief becomes LDF’s newest hope

MALAPPURAM: The CPM is reportedly set to revive its giant-killing strategy in the Mankada constituency. Sources indicate the party leadership has zeroed in on Kunnath Muhammed to lead the Left charge as an independent candidate. The move follows a high-level discussion by the CPM state secretariat earlier today.

Muhammed currently serves as the Mankada Constituency President for the Muslim League and is a former head of the Perinthalmanna block. His potential crossover represents a significant internal tremor for the UDF. By backing a League veteran, the CPM aims to fracture the UDF’s traditional base in its own stronghold.

This tactic is a page straight from the party’s successful 2001 and 2006 campaigns. During those years, independent candidate Manjalamkuzhi Ali famously upended the political order by defeating League heavyweights KPA Majeed and MK Muneer.

In a twist of political irony, Manjalamkuzhi Ali—now back with the League—is expected to defend the seat he once captured for the Left. If the reports hold, Mankada is headed for a cinematic showdown between two former allies, testing whether the "independent" magic can strike a third time.