Thiruvananthapuram,16 March (H.S.):The Indian National Congress is expected to announce its first list of candidates for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections later today, with names for around 40 constituencies likely to be released in the initial phase. Party sources indicated that a broad consensus has already been reached on candidates for 36 seats, including 19 sitting MLAs, following internal discussions held over the past few days.
However, the United Democratic Front (UDF) is expected to field new candidates in Palakkad and Thrippunithura, both of which are currently represented by sitting MLAs. The decision comes amid internal changes and strategic considerations within the party as it prepares for the high-stakes electoral battle.
The Congress screening committee, chaired by senior leader Madhusudan Mistry, will meet again in New Delhi on Monday to finalise the list. The party’s central election committee is also scheduled to hold a meeting later in the evening, where the agreed candidate list will be formally approved before its official announcement.
Meanwhile, uncertainty continues over the Thiruvananthapuram Central constituency, where discussions within the party remain unresolved. Senior Congress leader K. Sudhakaran, who has reportedly expressed reservations about certain decisions, has not yet softened his stand. The party leadership is expected to hold further discussions with him in an effort to resolve the issue.
In Palakkad, the Congress had earlier expelled sitting MLA Rahul Mamkootathil from the party, prompting the leadership to consider alternative candidates for the seat. In Thrippunithura, the current MLA has already announced his retirement from electoral politics, necessitating the selection of a new candidate.
Another constituency drawing attention is Perumbavoor, where the party leadership is holding consultations at multiple levels over whether to renominate sitting MLA Eldhose Kunnappilly. Sources suggest that despite internal debates, there remains a strong possibility that he may once again be fielded by the Congress.
The announcement of the first list is expected to set the tone for the United Democratic Front’s campaign ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
