Assembly polls: Candidate talks intensify across political fronts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even though the three fronts have not officially begun the process of finalising candidates for the Assembly elections, discussions are already filled with potential names. Those whom parties have decided to field, as well as those likely to contest, are being widely discussed.

The Left Front is expected to select candidates this time based on multiple factors, including winning chances. The BJP’s candidate list is said to be almost ready, but it cannot move forward without approval from the central leadership. In the Congress, the challenge is that many senior leaders are willing to contest, while the Muslim League is preparing to try out new faces.

UDF
In the Congress, the candidature of three senior leaders is almost certain- Ramesh Chennithala in Haripad, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan in Kottayam, and K Muraleedharan in Vattiyoorkavu. A long list of leaders, including former KPCC presidents and former ministers, are ready to contest. Sitting MLA K. Babu from Tripunithura has announced that he will not contest. Rahul Mamkootathil is also not in the picture in Palakkad. The remaining 20 sitting Congress MLAs are likely to contest again. UDF convener Adoor Prakash has said he is ready to contest from Konni if the party asks. Some MPs are also reportedly interested in entering the Assembly race.

LDF
In the CPM camp, senior leaders, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, K K Shailaja, and V N Vasavan are almost certain to contest again. State secretary M V Govindan is not likely to contest. A good number of ministers may also be included in the candidate list. However, the names of all sitting MLAs are not yet confirmed, as factors like winning chances and performance in constituencies will be considered. The four CPI ministers are also likely to contest again. Kollam district secretary P S Supal is less likely to contest. Changes may also be seen in constituencies like Chirayinkeezhu, Vaikom, and Thrissur.

BJP
In the BJP camp, the candidature of state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, former Union Minister V Muraleedharan, and Sobha Surendran is almost certain. The party is preparing candidates for the 90 seats it plans to contest, but none of the names has been finalised yet.