THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the high-stakes arena of Kerala politics, the 2026 Assembly Elections have delivered a harsh reality check to the “political migratory fish”—those leaders who abandoned their parent organizations for the allure of power. As the dust settles on candidate announcements, figures who once commanded the front lines of the Congress party now find themselves marginalized, proving that switching sides does not always guarantee a “silk shawl and golden bangle.”
The Sarin Setback: From Rebel to Rejected
The most glaring example is Dr. P. Sarin. After a high-decibel exit from the Congress over the Palakkad seat and a subsequent defeat as a Left-backed independent, Sarin has been completely sidelined this time. Despite his vocal tirades against the Congress leadership and his adoption of the “red shawl,” the CPI(M) has reportedly ignored his claim for a ticket in the current elections.
Political observers note that the CPI(M) cadre, known for their deep-rooted loyalty, remained skeptical of a leader who “betrayed” his followers for personal ambition. Sarin now stands as the latest victim of the “use and throw” strategy often attributed to the AKG Centre’s tactical playbook.
The Fall of the ‘Grand Old Tree’: K.V. Thomas
Once a titan in the Congress corridors of power, K.V. Thomas (Thomas Master) has seen a pathetic decline. Seeking refuge at the feet of Pinarayi Vijayan, Thomas was given a high-profile administrative post in Delhi—a move seen by many as a “golden cage” to keep him out of active electoral politics.
The Result: No party membership, no election ticket, and a career relegated to a salary-drawing representative in a corner of the national capital.Zero Gains for Anil Kumar and Prasanth
The story is no different for K.P. Anil Kumar and P.S. Prashanth.
K.P. Anil Kumar: After resigning from his KPCC leadership role with much fanfare, he has been left with a "zero" in the current candidate list. His fiery speeches for the Left were not enough to convince the CPI(M) leadership to trust him with a constituency.
P.S. Prashanth: Following a similar path of defection, he remains in the political wilderness, reinforcing the sentiment among grassroots workers that "traitors will always be viewed as traitors."The Hard Lessons of 2026
The current political climate in Kerala offers three distinct lessons for aspiring defectors:
The Trust Deficit: No political movement fully trusts those who abandon their original ideology for immediate gains.
Cadre Resentment: Leadership is often forced to respect the anger of ordinary workers who spill blood for the party and resent "parachute" candidates.
Political Suicide: Crossing over for positions is increasingly being proven as an act of political self-destruction rather than a career advancement.As the “political merchants” who tried to trade their loyalty for power face this cold isolation, the question remains: will the political landscape of Kerala ever forgive those who put personal greed above organizational integrity?
