M M Mani will not contest in assembly elections; Ramesh Pisharody to contest in Palakkad

IDUKKI: Senior CPM leader and former minister M M Mani will not contest in the upcoming Assembly elections. The CPM state secretariat has decided that Mani does not need to seek another term. Instead, K K Jayachandran has been selected as the party's candidate for the Udumbanchola constituency.

The district secretariat had recommended only M M Mani's name to the state leadership for Udumbanchola. However, the state leadership revised the list and directed that Jayachandran be fielded instead. The decision of the state committee will be officially approved at the district secretariat meeting to be held today.

The district leadership had hoped to field Mani for a third consecutive term, believing his popularity would ensure victory. It was also felt that his influence could help the party recover from setbacks faced in the recent local body elections, including in Udumbanchola. Party leaders believed his presence would benefit neighbouring constituencies as well.

However, it is indicated that the state leadership made the change to give opportunities to new faces and in line with other party criteria. With K K Jayachandran entering the fray, the electoral contest in Udumbanchola is expected to take a new turn. Political observers are now discussing how Mani's absence will impact voting in the constituency.

Meanwhile, unexpected changes have also emerged in the Congress candidate list for the Assembly elections. In Palakkad, after sitting MLA Rahul Mamkootathil was expelled from the party, the Congress has decided to field actor Ramesh Pisharody as its candidate. Although K Muraleedharan’s name was considered for the seat, Pisharody was chosen in the final stage.

The state leadership has handed over a preliminary list of candidates for 50 constituencies to the screening committee. A consensus has reportedly been reached in 40 of these seats. Rahul Mamkootathil’s sudden exit has led to major political changes in Palakkad. Congress leaders are hopeful that Pisharody’s popularity will translate into votes.