Thiruvananthapuram, 17 March (H.S.):The Indian National Congress is expected to release its first phase of candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections later today, following a meeting of the party’s Central Election Committee (CEC) in New Delhi. Sources indicate that around 55 constituencies are likely to be covered in this initial list.

However, the announcement comes against the backdrop of internal disagreements in several districts, including Thiruvananthapuram. Senior leader and MP K. Sudhakaran is set to arrive in Delhi this morning to hold crucial discussions with Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Sudhakaran, who has expressed his willingness to contest, is reportedly firm on his demand for a seat and has indicated he will not back down without a clear assurance from the leadership.

Meanwhile, senior leader Adoor Prakash has completed all formalities required for filing nomination papers and is awaiting the party’s decision. Party sources suggest that, considering community representation, particularly from the Ezhava community, both Sudhakaran and Prakash may be accommodated.

In Thiruvananthapuram district, clarity has emerged only in three out of the 14 constituencies under the United Democratic Front (UDF). Sitting MLA M. Vincent is expected to seek re-election from Kovalam, while K. Muraleedharan has already begun campaigning in Vattiyoorkavu. The constituencies for leaders such as V. S. Sivakumar and K. S. Sabarinathan remain undecided.

There is also an understanding within the alliance to allocate a seat in Thiruvananthapuram to the CMP, though the official announcement is still pending.

In Palakkad, actor Ramesh Pisharody is likely to be fielded as the Congress candidate, adding a touch of star power to the party’s campaign.

The final list, once released, is expected to set the tone for the Congress party’s electoral strategy in Kerala.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman