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Congress Unveils 55 Kerala Candidates: Mix of Veterans, Stars & Defectors

The Indian National Congress has released its first list of 55 candidates for the Kerala Assembly elections, showcasing a strategy that balances incumbency with new entrants. The list retains 19 sitting legislators while introducing high-profile names like film actor Ramesh Pisharody and defectors from the CPI(M), including former legislator Ayisha Potti. It sets up key battles, with candidates nominated to challenge Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal. The party indicates a second list is imminent, pending further internal deliberations.

Key Points: Congress First List for Kerala Polls: 55 Candidates Revealed

  • 19 sitting MLAs in first list
  • Actor Ramesh Pisharody fielded
  • Includes CPI(M) defectors
  • Key contests against CM Vijayan & Minister Balagopal
  • Second candidate list expected soon
2 min read

Congress bets on mix of experience and familiar faces in first list of 55 candidates in Kerala

Congress releases first list of 55 candidates for Kerala Assembly elections, blending sitting MLAs, film actors, and defectors from CPI(M).

Congress bets on mix of experience and familiar faces in first list of 55 candidates in Kerala
"a calibrated blend of experience, continuity, and high-visibility entrants - Party Strategy"

Thiruvananthapuram, March 17

The Indian National Congress on Tuesday released its first list of 55 candidates for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, signalling a calibrated blend of experience, continuity, and high-visibility entrants as the party seeks to return to power in the state.

Kerala will go to the polls on April 9.

Of the 55 candidates named, 19 are sitting legislators, indicating a cautious reliance on incumbency amid concerns of anti-incumbency. The Congress currently has 22 MLAs in the outgoing Assembly, though three sitting members do not figure in the list.

Senior leader K. Babu, who had earlier announced his retirement from electoral politics, has been left out, while expelled leader Rahul Mamkootathil remains sidelined following serious criminal allegations. Two-time MLA Eldhose Kunnappilly has also not been included, with sources saying he has been summoned to Delhi, keeping speculation alive ahead of the second list.

The Congress, which leads the United Democratic Front (UDF), traditionally contests around 92 of the 140 Assembly seats. Party leaders indicated that a second list is likely to be released on Wednesday.

Sources said the delay in finalising the first list stemmed from internal deliberations over accommodating senior Lok Sabha members. While the state leadership is inclined to keep MPs out of the fray, veterans K. Sudhakaran and Adoor Prakash have reportedly expressed interest in returning to state politics.

In a bid to broaden its appeal, the party has fielded popular film actor and stage artiste Ramesh Pisharody from Palakkad.

The list also reflects the Congress's strategy of capitalising on high-profile defections from the CPI(M). Former three-time CPI(M) legislator Ayisha Potti, who recently joined the Congress, has been nominated from Kottarakkara to take on Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal.

Another former Left sympathiser, A. Suresh, has been fielded from Malampuzha, a constituency long associated with veteran leader V.S. Achuthanandan.

The candidates' list includes former MPs K. Muraleedharan and Ramya Haridas. In a key contest, emerging leader Abdul Rasheed has been nominated to challenge Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Dharmadom.

With a mix of experience, defections, and fresh faces, the Congress appears to be positioning itself for a high-stakes electoral battle, even as crucial decisions remain pending ahead of the next round of candidate announcements.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Interesting strategy to bring in defectors from CPI(M) like Ayisha Potti. Shows they are serious about weakening the Left's base. But will these new entrants be accepted by the local party workers? That's the real test.
A
Aman W
Leaving out sitting MLAs like Eldhose Kunnappilly is a bold move. Maybe they want to counter anti-incumbency. But voters might see it as unfair to those who worked hard. The second list will be crucial.
S
Sarah B
As an observer of Indian politics, this seems like a typical balancing act. Retaining 19 sitting MLAs shows caution, while fielding actors and defectors shows a desire for change. The battle in Dharmadom against the CM will be one to watch.
K
Karthik V
Good to see Abdul Rasheed getting a chance to take on Pinarayi Vijayan directly. We need strong challengers. But the list feels a bit Delhi-influenced with veterans like Sudhakaran wanting to return. State leadership should have the final say.
M
Meera T
With all due respect, this "calibrated blend" looks more like indecision. Releasing the list so late, leaving out seniors like Babu, and internal debates over MPs... it doesn't project a united front. UDF needs to be more decisive to win.

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