THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM has announced its candidates for the by-elections in Palakkad and Chelakkara constituencies. CPM state secretary MV Govindan announced that P Sarin, who left Congress, will contest as an independent candidate in the Palakkad constituency. Meanwhile, former MLA UR Pradeep will contest from the Chelakkara constituency as CPM candidate. Notably, Sarin will not contest under the party symbol but as an independent.

Sarin, who was Congress's Digital Media Convener, had publicly expressed dissent and criticized the leadership through a press conference, following Congress's decision to allocate the Palakkad seat to Youth Congress state president Rahul Maamkootathil. Later, Sarin publicly criticized and rebuked both Opposition Leader VD Satheesan and Shafi Parambil MP.

Although Sarin requested the party leadership to reconsider the candidacy of Rahul Mamkootathil, the party leadership did not pay heed to his request. This prompted Sarin to walk out of Congress. Following this, CPM extended support to Sarin who declared open war against the Congress leadership. Sarin's candidature was assured as soon as the Palakkad District Secretariat decided to support his moves. The CPM Palakkad District Committee also assessed that bringing Sarin on board would be beneficial for the party.

After announcing the candidates, CPM state secretary MV Govindan expressed confidence that the LDF would secure victory in all three constituencies.