The Kerala Assembly election fever is rising, with Congress and BJP both on the cusp of announcing their inaugural candidate lists before February wraps up. This dual announcement comes amid intensifying preparations in a state known for its razor-thin margins and complex alliances.
Congress is navigating internal dynamics with care. State president Sunny Joseph eyes a run from Peravoor in Kannur, his political bastion. Stepping down from his post would trigger the need for an interim replacement, likely a Christian leader to navigate the state’s intricate demographic equations.
Potential contenders include veteran KC Joseph and MP Benny Behanan, though Behanan’s new manifesto role tilts odds toward Joseph. MM Hassan, a past interim head, is sidelined by his own electoral plans.
Strategically, Congress plans to lead with incumbent legislators, signaling continuity and dodging early infighting. Releasing the list pre-code of conduct will help seize initiative in the multi-phase polls.
On the BJP front, state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar confirmed their list’s imminent arrival. Leveraging triumphs in recent local elections, the saffron party is targeting winnable seats to challenge the bipolar LDF-UDF dominance.
The LDF, under CPI(M), is deep in strategic huddles, promising a vibrant electoral showdown. Kerala’s voters, ever discerning, will watch these moves closely as parties position for the April-May contests.