THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Those who defected from the Congress party expecting a fast-track ticket to the Assembly or Parliament via the “Red Fortress” are facing a harsh reality check. In a move that has sent shockwaves through Kerala’s political circles, the CPI(M) has excluded high-profile defectors, including Dr. P. Sarin, from its latest candidate list.
While the CPI(M) is often quick to welcome Congress rebels with open arms to weaken its rival, the party’s “excessive caution” in securing their long-term political future has become a heated topic of debate.
Sarin’s Hopes Dashed
After quitting the Congress over the denial of the Palakkad Assembly seat, Dr. P. Sarin contested as a CPI(M) independent but failed to secure a win. His supporters firmly believed that the party would reward his loyalty in the current election cycle. However, Sarin’s name was conspicuously absent from the candidate list, leading to significant unrest among the workers who followed him into the Left fold.
The Growing “Side-Bench” of Rebels
Sarin is not alone in this political wilderness. A long line of leaders who walked out of the Congress now find themselves relegated to the sidelines:
- K.P. Anil Kumar & P.S. Prashanth: Despite being given some organizational roles, they have been kept away from mainstream electoral politics.
- Rathikumar, Shobhana George, and A.K. Shanib: These leaders have been completely overlooked in the current selection process.
- K.V. Thomas: Despite becoming a trusted confidant of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the veteran leader was restricted to the role of the State’s special representative in Delhi. The party has shown no interest in fielding him for an active electoral seat.
The Decline of Lathika Subhash
The trajectory of Lathika Subhash serves as a cautionary tale. After a dramatic exit from the Congress to join the NCP (an LDF ally), she was fielded only in local body elections rather than the Assembly seat she coveted. Following her defeat there, her political influence has notably waned.
Internal Backlash and “Curry Leaf” Politics
Sources suggest the CPI(M) leadership’s decision is a response to growing resentment at the grassroots level. Ground-level cadres, who have dedicated years to the party, are increasingly vocal against awarding prestigious seats to “turncoats” at the expense of loyalists.
”The condition of Congress rebels in the Left is like a curry leaf—used for flavor and then unceremoniously discarded,” observed a veteran political analyst.
By shutting the door on these newcomers, the CPI(M) has sent a clear message: while defection might earn you a temporary welcome, it does not guarantee a seat at the high table.
