In a bold move ahead of the Kerala Legislative Assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday dropped its second candidate list, naming 21 contenders and pushing its overall tally to 43. This strategic release from New Delhi highlights AAP’s expanding ambitions in Kerala’s vibrant political scene.
Prominent among the new nominees are Arun A for Chathannoor, Musa Henry Motha representing Ernakulam, Rani Anto in Thrissur, Advocate Sinu ELR taking on Kollam, and Advocate Henstian George for Peravoor. The list extends to Noushad Kakkaden Randarkara in Muvattupuzha, Joseph Mathew in Kuttanad, Jaisal Maliekkal for Nilambur, VP Prinson Avinisari from Ollur, Anpalli Gopalan in Taliparamba, Joseph P.V. for Irikkur, Musa Zarathingal in Tirurangadi, and Unnikrishnan C.S. contesting Manaloor.
AAP continued its outreach with Sandeep Kumar from Kattakada, Advocate Jos Chiramel Devasi in Angamaly, Rajeev K. Shivaraman for Kunnamkulam, Deepumon N. in Parassala, Jayan Erat from Kayamkulam, Eldho Abraham in Piravom, Rony Jos Nedumpallil for Pala, and Samin Sathyadas battling in Thiruvananthapuram.
Building on its March 12 debut list of 22 candidates, which featured standouts like Dr. Celine Philip (Kottayam), Dr. Alfonsa Mathew (Kozhikode North), Prakriti N.V. (Sultan Bathery-ST), Advocate Basil John (Thodupuzha), and others including Vinu K. (Nemom), Dr. Shaju K.Y. (Irinjalakuda), Jithin Sadanandan (Vadakkancherry), Rafiq C.A. (Kalpetta), Mustafa P.K. (Koyilandy), and Advocate P.P.A. Sagir (Manjeri).
Subsequent additions encompassed Abu Baker K.P. (Malappuram), Abdul Aziz Kadlundi (Vallikunnu), Udayan Sukumaran (Palakkad), Poly Francis Guruvayur (Guruvayur), Jayakrishnan P.N. (Pudukkad), Wilson Kallen (Chalakudy), Dr. K.M. Francis Roy (Kodungallur), Hakeekath Hamid (Aluva), Shamsu T.K.N. (Kalamassery), Jos George (Thrippunithura), Mamachan D. (Kottarakkara), and Manoj S.P. (Kovalam).
AAP’s rapid rollout of candidates reflects a meticulously planned campaign, blending youth, expertise, and regional appeal. As rival parties gear up, this development could reshape voter dynamics in key seats, setting the stage for an electrifying contest.