THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) has reportedly deployed its own private intelligence or “CID” team to uncover the identity of the Congress candidate for the crucial Vattiyoorkavu Assembly constituency. The secret operation was triggered by strong speculation that sitting MP K. Muraleedharan might contest from the seat.
To ensure accuracy, the CPM bypassed its usual confidential sources and engaged this specialized CID squad, which is now operating across Thiruvananthapuram. Sources indicate that a former Congressman with significant influence in Delhi is also part of this intelligence unit.
K. Muraleedharan’s Mark: Focus on Vattiyoorkavu
The Congress party has recently handed over the key responsibility of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation elections to K. Muraleedharan, replacing P.C. Vishnunath. Under Muraleedharan’s leadership, a former MLA of Vattiyoorkavu, focused preparatory work is underway, including finalizing candidates for the 10 wards under the Corporation’s jurisdiction.
Muraleedharan, who won from Vattiyoorkavu in both 2011 and 2016, contested and won the Vadakara Lok Sabha seat in 2019 following a directive from the party leadership. This necessitated a by-election in Vattiyoorkavu, which was won by the CPM’s V.K. Prasanth, who retained the seat in 2021.
Threat to Prasanth’s Hold?
Despite his move to Vadakara, Muraleedharan continues to share a strong connection with the Vattiyoorkavu electorate. Political observers believe that if Muraleedharan, who enjoys cross-political goodwill in the constituency, decides to contest, the incumbent MLA V.K. Prasanth faces a high risk of defeat.
However, Prasanth’s supporters argue that Muraleedharan is unlikely to contest from Vattiyoorkavu. If his candidacy is confirmed, there is speculation that Prasanth might shift to the Kazhakootam constituency, where sitting CPM MLA Kadakampally Surendran is unlikely to be given a ticket this time. If Muraleedharan stays out, Prasanth is expected to remain the Left Front candidate in Vattiyoorkavu.
The CPM’s unusual ‘election strategy’ of deploying CID teams to determine the Congress candidate has become a major talking point in Thiruvananthapuram’s political circles.
