New Delhi, March 20: With just three days left for filing nominations for the assembly elections scheduled on April 9, Congress has released its final list of candidates. This announcement, made late Thursday night, includes names from 37 constituencies, bringing an end to four days of intense discussions, debates, and high-stakes drama.
In the 140-member Kerala Assembly, the party will contest 92 seats while supporting three rebel leaders who have formed their own faction after breaking away from CPI-M.
The delay in the announcement highlights the challenges the party leadership faced in balancing factions, accommodating veteran leaders, and introducing new faces.
A dramatic moment unfolded when senior leader and Kannur Lok Sabha MP K. Sudhakaran openly expressed his dissatisfaction, even threatening to leave the party. However, the crisis was averted thanks to the last-minute intervention of senior leader A.K. Antony, whose efforts helped calm the situation and quell the rising anger.
Before departing from Delhi, Sudhakaran reaffirmed his loyalty to the party in a reconciliatory tone, stating that he is a “very small person” in front of the vast Congress party and that he would lead the election campaign.
The final list showcases a mix of experienced leaders and newcomers. Senior leaders like N. Shaktan, T. Saratchandra Prasad, Varkala Kahar, and V. Shivakumar, along with former legislators, have been fielded, indicating the party’s reliance on seasoned hands.
Additionally, loyal party workers such as Abi Kuriakose, Roy K. Paloz, and Pazhakulam Madhu have been given the opportunity to contest in the assembly elections for the first time.
However, the exclusion of two-time sitting MLA Eldos Kunnappally from the list has sparked discontent within the party. Expressing his disappointment, he stated that he was unaware of the reasons for his omission but assured that he would discuss his future strategy with his supporters.
Another notable name is Sandeep Warrior, who joined Congress in November 2024. He is set to contest from the Trikarpur constituency, considered a stronghold of CPI-M, promising a tough competition.
In a strategic move, Congress has also decided to support three rebel leaders from CPI-M, including former ministers G. Sudhakaran, P.K. Shashi, and T.K. Govindan, who have publicly criticized their party leadership.
Now that the list is out, all eyes are on those who did not receive tickets. Will they accept the party’s decision, or will new controversies arise? This is a familiar challenge for Congress as it prepares for a crucial electoral battle.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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