Kozhikode, 28 March (H.S.):The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) , the political outfit of the banned Islamist organisaation Popular Front of India (PFI) has indicated that it may extend support to candidates backed by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in several key constituencies in Kerala, including Mankada and Vengara, ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

However, party leaders have clarified that no final decision has been taken yet regarding the matter.

SDPI state president C.P.A. Latheef stated that the party has not officially decided whom to support and that discussions are still ongoing. “There is no final decision on extending support to any front or candidate. We are evaluating the political situation and will arrive at a conclusion soon,” he said.

Initially, the SDPI had planned to contest in as many as 111 constituencies across the state. However, the party later scaled down its ambitions and decided to field candidates in only 34 seats. In Manjeshwaram, the party withdrew its candidate amid allegations that its presence could indirectly benefit the BJP, a charge it sought to avoid.

Political indications suggest that the SDPI is leaning towards supporting LDF-backed independent candidates in select constituencies where the contest is expected to be tight. In Mankada, for instance, the party had previously supported a candidate when he contested as an independent. This time, SDPI is reportedly considering backing Kunnath Muhammed, an LDF-supported independent, after withdrawing its own candidate C.H. Ashraf.

The move is seen as strategic, particularly in constituencies with significant SDPI vote bases, estimated to be around 10,000 votes in some areas. In such seats, SDPI’s support could prove decisive, especially in closely fought contests.

Despite these signals, SDPI’s state general secretary reiterated that no formal decision has been finalised, leaving room for further political developments in the coming days.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman