Kerala Assembly polls: UDF likely to field T.O. Mohanan in Kannur as AICC bars sitting MPs from contesting

With the AIl India Congress Committee (AICC) ruling out Assembly tickets for sitting MPs, including former KPCC president K. Sudhakaran, former Kannur Corporation Mayor T.O. Mohanan is likely to be fielded as the UDF candidate from the Kannur constituency in the Kerala Assembly elections 2026.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Mohanan said he has not yet received any formal communication regarding his candidature. However, he expressed confidence that whoever contests from Kannur under the UDF banner will secure a decisive victory. He noted that pre-election phases “often witness confusion and controversy” over candidate selection, but such issues subside once nominations are finalised.

On Mr. Sudhakaran’s insistence on contesting despite the AICC decision, Mr. Mohanan said he would respond after the official announcement.

“I had met Mr. Sudhakaran a few days before he left for Delhi. He was very supportive and assured full backing. There will not be any issues,” he said.

Highlighting the UDF’s “organisational strength”, Mr. Mohanan said the front has “a unique system” where candidates draw strength from the alliance, irrespective of personal equations. He also criticised the LDF government, alleging that a decade of its rule has brought hardship to the people.

According to him, the CPI(M) has become a party serving only a few individuals and their families with policies favouring corporates and the affluent. He claimed that disillusioned CPI(M) workers and those concerned about the party’s future would back the UDF in the upcoming elections.