THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Facing a certain stiff challenge from anti-incumbency sentiment in the upcoming local body and Assembly elections, the CPI(M) leadership in Kerala is reportedly finalising key strategic moves and a major makeover of its candidate lineup. The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government has been hit by strong public discontent, compounded by controversies including the alleged ‘Sabarimala theft’ scandal.
​In a crucial shift from its 2021 strategy, the CPI(M) is planning to field more newcomers to beat the anti-government mood. A central part of this plan involves bringing in V.A. Arun Kumar, the son of late veteran and popular leader V.S. Achuthanandan (V.S.), as a candidate.
​Sources indicate that Arun Kumar is slated to contest from Ambalappuzha, the home constituency of his father, in a move calculated to generate enthusiasm among both party workers and the general public.
​This decision sets the stage for a major rearrangement. The current Ambalappuzha MLA, H. Salam, who is reportedly in the rival faction to former minister G. Sudhakaran, is being considered for a shift to the Kayamkulam constituency.
​In Kayamkulam, the current CPI(M) MLA, Prathibha Hari, is unlikely to be re-nominated, clearing the path for Salam. It is also speculated that Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, who is also the Chief Minister’s son-in-law, is strongly backing Salam’s candidature for the Kayamkulam seat.
​The CPI(M) is banking on the popularity of V.S.’s legacy through Arun Kumar’s candidacy to ignite a fresh wave of public support. However, it remains to be seen if these candidacies and constituency swaps will be enough to overcome the deeply entrenched anti-incumbency factor prevailing in the state.
