Rebels and internal conflicts shake all three political fronts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The LDF is facing issues from rebel candidates, the UDF has dissatisfied leaders, and the BJP is witnessing unusual internal conflicts. The second phase list of Congress candidates, which was expected to be announced yesterday, was delayed due to marathon discussions and was not released even late at night. Only five days are left for filing nomination papers, and 21 days remain for polling.

All three fronts are struggling to resolve issues in candidate selection, even at the final stage. When one issue is settled, another problem arises. Congress leaders, who are in Delhi trying to resolve internal disputes, have not even been able to visit their own constituencies.

If a decision is reached regarding senior leaders K Sudhakaran and Adoor Prakash, the Congress can find some relief. Political observers say that releasing any candidate list without clarity on this issue could cause negative effects. The challenge posed by CPM rebel candidates has dealt a major blow to the LDF. The LDF is now trying new strategies to overcome this challenge. In the UDF, there is an open protest against moves to support defectors who have left their parties. Dissatisfaction within the LDF is also growing in many areas.

Different faces of dissent
DCC vice president Saji Joseph has openly protested against the party's decision not to take over the Kuttanad seat from Kerala Congress (Joseph) despite a favourable situation for the Congress. He broke down in front of the media and is preparing to contest as a rebel candidate. The entry of P K Sasi, who has parted ways with the CPM and is planning to contest from Ottapalam in Palakkad, has also triggered protests. The Congress leadership is moving ahead despite internal opposition to fielding him. In Thrikkarippur, there is opposition within the DCC itself against considering Sandeep Varrier as a candidate. A DCC meeting is expected to discuss the issue.

Disputes in BJP
In the BJP, internal conflict has emerged as several senior leaders were not included in the first list of candidates. Leaders like Kummanam Rajasekharan, P S Sreedharan Pillai, M T Ramesh, and B Gopalakrishnan were left out. The RSS is unhappy over giving the Ranni constituency, which includes the Sabarimala temple, to Twenty20. M T Ramesh is also unhappy as his request for the Thrissur seat was not accepted. There is also dissatisfaction within the BJP over giving the Aranmula seat to BDJS.

CPM’s efforts
The CPM is trying to take advantage of the unrest raised by Abdurahman Randathani after M K Muneer was dropped as a candidate. Party Politburo member A Vijayaraghavan said that the party may consider supporting leaders like Randathani if they leave the Muslim League. He also said the party is ready to make compromises to increase the number of LDF MLAs in Malappuram. It remains to be seen how this statement will be received.