As Kerala braces for its next Assembly showdown, the CPI(M) has launched its candidate vetting machinery. The party’s state secretariat, a 17-strong powerhouse, kicked off deliberations on Saturday, signaling an aggressive push toward election readiness.
At the heart of discussions: crafting the preliminary roster of aspirants. This phase sets the tone for a layered selection protocol, prioritizing internal talent before broader consultations.
The process unfolds strategically. The secretariat nominates from its cadre, dispatching proposals to district units for scrutiny. Post-district nod, the list returns for state-level ratification, blending grassroots input with top-down strategy.
The meeting boasts an impressive lineup. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan anchors it alongside ministers P.A. Mohammed Riyas, Saji Cherian, K.N. Balagopal, P. Rajeev, and V.N. Vasavan. Key figures include M.V. Govindan, K.K. Shailaja, T.P. Ramakrishnan, Thomas Isaac, E.P. Jayarajan, and others like M. Swaraj and P.K. Biju.
Eyes are on central committee reps C.S. Sujatha, K.S. Saleeka, P. Sathi Devi, and stalwarts P.K. Sreemathi and Elamaram Karim. Will they make the cut?
Ambitions run high for a third consecutive victory, yet December’s local elections delivered a rude awakening. CPI(M) lost grip on bastions, shrinking its municipal control from five to one since 2020.
Flashback to 2021: Out of 75 contested seats, 62 went red. Now, with challenges mounting, the party is recalibrating to defend its fortress and expand influence in the vibrant southern state.