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Kerala CPI(M) Drops Mukesh, Rejigs List For Vijayan's Historic Third Term Bid

The CPI(M) has recalibrated its candidate list for the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls, dropping two-time MLA and actor Mukesh from Kollam. While a majority of key ministers have been cleared, signaling a focus on governance continuity, the party has set aside its informal two-term norm for legislators. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is aiming for a historic third consecutive term, with electoral pragmatism guiding the selections. Notable changes include the likely stepping aside of Minister R. Bindu and the potential return of former Finance Minister Thomas Isaac.

Key Points: Kerala CPI(M) Candidate List Rejig for Assembly Polls

  • Actor-MLA Mukesh dropped
  • Key ministers retained for continuity
  • Two-term norm set aside
  • CM Vijayan aims for historic third term
  • Thomas Isaac may make comeback
2 min read

Kerala CPI(M) rejigs list as CM Vijayan eyes historic third term

CPI(M) drops MLA Mukesh, rejigs candidate list as CM Pinarayi Vijayan eyes a historic third consecutive term in Kerala. Key ministers retained.

"The message is clear, governance continuity will anchor the Left's pitch - Analysis"

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 26

In a significant recalibration ahead of the Assembly polls, the CPI has dropped actor-turned-Legislator Mukesh, a two-time MLA from Kollam, from its list of sitting members set to be renominated.

The move comes even as the party clears a majority of key ministers, underscoring a selective approach to continuity and change.

Among those who have received the green signal are senior ministers including M.B. Rajesh, Saji Cherian, O.R. Kelu, P. Rajeeve, K.N. Balagopal, V.N. Vasavan, Veena George, P. A. Mohammed Riyas, and V. Sivankutty.

The message is clear, governance continuity will anchor the Left's pitch as it seeks to retain Kerala, now its last remaining stronghold in the country.

However, Higher Education Minister R. Bindu is likely to step aside, with indications that her husband, CPI(M) Politburo member A. Vijayaraghavan, may be fielded instead.

Among other names that are under contention includes P.K. Shymala, wife of State CPI-M secretary M.V. Govindan, while two time sitting legislator U. Prathibha's name is missing, so is the name of Speaker A.M. Shamseer.

Notably, the informal norm introduced in recent years, that Legislators who completed two consecutive terms should make way for newcomers, appears to have been set aside.

With Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan aiming for a historic third straight term, electoral pragmatism seems to have overtaken internal rotation principles.

There are signs of reconsideration, too.

Two time former Finance Minister Thomas Isaac, who was left out previously, may return to the fray.

Senior Legislator K.K. Shailaja remains in suspense.

Meanwhile, journalist-turned-politician M.V. Nikesh Kumar, who contested unsuccessfully in 2016, and social media figure Chintha Jerome are absent from district level clearances.

However according to the CPI(M), even if a lower committee decides against any candidate the higher committees can make changes and hence, those who appear to have been left out, can still make a comeback.

In 2021, the CPI(M) contested 75 seats and won 62, a performance it now seeks to replicate, or better, as it positions itself for an unprecedented third mandate in Kerala.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting to see the two-term norm being set aside. Clearly, pragmatism over principle when a historic win is at stake. But what about bringing in fresh faces and ideas? The list seems very "safe" and insider-heavy, especially with all the talk of family connections. 🤔
S
Suresh O
From Tamil Nadu here. Kerala's political stability is something to admire. While we keep changing parties every election, they might actually give a government a third term! The Left's focus on governance seems to be working for them. Hope Thomas Isaac makes a comeback, he was a good FM.
M
Meera T
As a Keralite, I have mixed feelings. Happy that experienced ministers are continuing, but the sidelining of Shailaja Teacher is worrying. She was a star during the pandemic! Also, the husband-wife swaps (Bindu-Vijayaraghavan) don't look good. Party should be above family.
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David E
Following Indian politics from the US. The CPI(M) holding onto Kerala is fascinating in the national context. This detailed candidate selection shows how seriously they're taking the anti-incumbency challenge. A third term would be a massive achievement in Indian politics.
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Ananya R
The article says "electoral pragmatism seems to have overtaken internal rotation principles." That's the key takeaway. When survival is at stake, ideologies and internal rules take a backseat. Hope the voters get good candidates out of this churn. All the best to Kerala! 🙏

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