Scramble for seats in Kerala Assembly elections

A scramble for seats in the forthcoming Assembly elections in Kerala is on in the ruling United Democratic Front, and to a lesser degree in the Opposition Left Democratic Front. Indications are that the pitch will surpass the rivalry in the previous elections.

Nearly a dozen leaders have either directly or obliquely announced their candidature even before the seats sharing talks among Front constituents and candidate selection process have started by both the fronts.

The group rivalry in Kerala Congress (M) has already led to internal strife that some observers feel would even lead to a split in the party. Others see it only as part of hard bargaining. As of now, a split is not imminent.

In the Congress, those who have put themselves forward include Minister for Cooperation C. N. Balakrishnan, Minister for Excise K. Babu and Therambil Ramakrishnan. The Ministers are ones who face a threat to their candidature on account of allegations against them.

 The loud mouthing by leaders have forced KPCC president V. M. Sudheeran to impose a ban on public statement by party leaders on choice of candidates. However, he himself may be finding it embarrassing that his own campaign posters have appeared in Manalur constituency, apparently put up by his supporters.

From the Kerala Congress, C. F. Thomas has put his foot forward. K. M. Mani has already stated that he would contest as long as people of Pala want it and he has the health for the campaign. Mr. P. J. Joseph, who almost wanted retirement some years ago, is back in the arena.  His group is also seeking seats for Francis George and Antony Raju.

In the LDF, declarations have come only from smaller entities. However, it is well known that most of the Secretariat members of CPI (M) are hoping to find a place in the candidate list. Thomas Chandy of NCP has been rather blunt in declaring that he would  contest from Kuttanad and would also claim the position of Minister for Water Resources in the new ministry.

Former Chief Whip of UDF, P. C. George, who had quit the Front, has also announced that he would be contesting from Poonjar. However, the LDF had not yet extended its support for the proposal. If LDF support is not forthcoming, Mr. George will find the going tough. Sebastian Paul, who had contested previously as LDF independent, has also expressed his wish to enter the fray.

Updates:
Thiruvananthapuram DCC president Karakulam Krishna Pillai says that Congress will contest in all seats in Thiruvananthapuram district.
Johnny Nelloor says that he should get either Muvattupuzha or Ankamali. Otherwise, he will not contest as UDF candidate.
Kerala Congress (B) leader K. B. Ganesh Kumar says that he would contest only from Pathanapuram