THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a significant move ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) is reportedly preparing to take over the crucial Thiruvananthapuram Assembly constituency, currently held by its minor Left Democratic Front (LDF) ally, the Janathipathya Kerala Congress (JKC).
The decision is part of the CPM’s broader strategy to contest the maximum possible number of seats in the upcoming polls. The immediate trigger for the takeover of the Thiruvananthapuram seat is understood to be the legal setback faced by the incumbent MLA, Antony Raju of the JKC.
Sources indicate that the CPM has already begun the internal process of identifying a strong candidate for the constituency. The party’s focus has narrowed down to two prominent women leaders:
- Arya Rajendran: The current Mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, who has gained high visibility and is seen as a young, dynamic face.
- T.N. Seema: A veteran party leader and former Member of Parliament, known for her experience and political acumen.
The potential move signals a shift in the LDF’s seat-sharing dynamics in the state capital and delivers a major setback to Antony Raju, whose political future is now uncertain following the party’s decision to reclaim the seat.
The final decision is expected to be formalized by the party leadership in the coming months as they strategize for a successful campaign in the 2026 election cycle. The candidature of either Arya Rajendran or T.N. Seema would inject a fresh dynamic into the high-stakes political battle for the capital city.
