Internal strife grips UDF, LDF, and NDA ahead of assembly polls

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the notification for the assembly elections is expected very soon, all three major political fronts in Kerala find themselves in an unexpected crisis. The UDF faces internal strife over candidate selection, the LDF has been shaken by G. Sudhakaran’s sudden change of heart, and the NDA’s momentum is hampered by seat-sharing disputes with its ally, Twenty20. Elections are expected to be held in late April or early May, with the new assembly needing to be formed before May 20.

UDF: Congress High Command Under Pressure

Internal tensions within the Congress have surfaced just as preparations for announcing sitting MLAs and candidates for uncontested seats were nearing completion. The unrest stems from the high command’s decision to reject the candidacies of former KPCC president K. Sudhakaran and UDF convener Adoor Prakash.

Supporters of K. Sudhakaran claim he was promised an assembly seat after resigning as KPCC president to contest the Lok Sabha elections. Similarly, Adoor Prakash points out that he only relinquished his assembly membership to run for the Lok Sabha based on specific assurances. Both leaders are viewed as highly winnable candidates from the Ezhava community. Recognising the potential fallout, the leadership had summoned K. Sudhakaran to Delhi for emergency reconciliatory talks. Meanwhile, localised disputes regarding candidate selection have also emerged in the Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts.

LDF: The "Sudhakaran Factor"

Senior leader G. Sudhakaran has been vocal in his criticism of the CPM since being denied a seat in the 2021 elections due to the party’s term-limit policy. While the CPM leadership was prepared for potential friction, they did not anticipate the severity of his recent defiance. Although the party has weathered recent setbacks—such as those involving Aisha Potty in Kottarakkara, P.K. Sasi in Palakkad, and Kunhikrishnan in Kannur—Sudhakaran’s public outbursts, which have reached the point of him declaring himself a candidate, present a significant new challenge.

NDA: Friction with Twenty20

The BJP, which had already finalised candidates for 50 constituencies, is now facing complications with its new ally, Twenty20. Although the BJP was willing to offer up to a dozen seats, tensions spiked when Twenty20 insisted on contesting in Tripunithura and Kodungallur. Additionally, internal unrest is brewing: former state president K. Surendran is set to run in Manjeswaram, displacing the Kasaragod district president who had been expected to contest there. Furthermore, the decision to field Shobha Surendran in Palakkad—a seat previously sought by local leadership—has sparked regional dissatisfaction.