Strategies to capture assembly: CPM central committee to meet, Congress begins screening

KOZHIKODE: The Congress is trying to create political surprise by bringing in parties from the LDF and even senior CPM leaders. The CPM, meanwhile, is trying to strengthen its fort and prevent further erosion, while the BJP is energised after gaining ground in Thiruvananthapuram. Anything can happen in the upcoming Assembly elections.

The political significance has increased as the CPM central committee meets in Thiruvananthapuram for three days starting today. At a time when the CPM is facing losses across the country, Kerala remains its strongest base. The central committee’s main aim is to use all possible strategies to ensure that this base is not lost.

The Rahul Mamkootathil issue did not bring much benefit at the local level and was overshadowed by the Sabarimala issue. The arrest of party leaders, including a former MLA, caused major setbacks for the CPM. The SIT is expected to file charge sheets before the Assembly elections, and efforts are underway to secure bail for the jailed leaders to overcome the political damage. The party will also review the growing distance with the Muslim minority despite its continued support for minority issues.

Congress plans early move
The Congress gained an advantage in the local body elections by finalising candidates early and entering the field ahead of others. The party is now planning to follow the same strategy for the Assembly elections.

Candidates may be decided by the end of January. AICC screening committee chairman Madhusudan Mistry has already begun discussions with state leaders. One major complaint during the last candidate selection was the lack of representation for backward communities. Only two MLAs were from these communities, and after one became an MP, the number came down to one. This time, the Congress aims to select candidates who can better represent and attract backward communities.

Who will create the surprise?
Opposition leader V D Satheesan’s announcement of a “surprise” has added to election-time speculation. Though reports linked this to the possible entry of Kerala Congress (M) into the UDF, party leader Jose K Mani denied it. However, his remarks suggested that the chapter is not fully closed. If pressure from Christian churches increases, a shift in alliances cannot be ruled out.

The biggest surprise so far has been the exit of Aisha Potty, whose departure caused a major shock within the CPM. The Congress is also reaching out to former MPs and ministers who have distanced themselves from the CPM.

Will RJD switch sides?
The Congress is also keepingan eye on the RJD led by Shreyams Kumar. From the beginning, the RJD has felt sidelined, as other single-MLA parties were given ministerial posts while it was ignored. After the Wayanad camp, leaders including Ramesh Chennithala, V D Satheesan and K C Venugopal held talks with Shreyams Kumar. At the same time, CPM leaders claim that they hold “big political bombs” that the Congress will not be able to handle. Some interpret these statements as linked to the Sabarimala gold theft controversy.