NCP(SP) ‘unites’ behind Saseendran after Elathur candidate row

After weeks of factional feud in the Kozhikode unit of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) [NCP(SP)], which threatened to derail the re-election bid of party candidate and Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran from the Elathur Assembly constituency, rival groups have decided to set aside their disagreements and work for his victory.

The consensus was reached at a meeting of the NCP(SP)’s district unit attended by party national working president P.C. Chacko here on Sunday (March 22, 2026).

Mr. Chacko confirmed that there had been differences over candidate selection in Elathur. He said he had heard NCP(SP) Kozhikode district president Mukkom Mohammed and others, and that all issues had been resolved. The party is paramount, Mr. Chacko added.

Mr. Mohammed, meanwhile, said the party was united and that all disputes had been settled. He also said he would be present when Mr. Saseendran files his nomination papers for the Elathur segment on Monday (March 23, 2026).

Earlier, the party’s Kozhikode district committee and a majority of mandalam committees had opposed fielding Mr. Saseendran again from Elathur. However, another section loyal to the incumbent MLA had demanded that he be retained. Those opposing his candidature argued that the veteran leader should step aside this time to give others an opportunity.

The decision on NCP(SP)’s Elathur candidate was later referred to the Central leadership after a meeting of the party’s State election committee also failed to reach a consensus.

Finally, the Central Parliamentary Board of the party, in consultation with the State unit, announced Mr. Saseendran’s candidature from Elathur last week. Despite the Central leadership’s decision, the rift between the two factions continued, necessitating further intervention.

Mr. Saseendran, a two-time Minister, has contested eight Assembly elections and won six times, including three victories from Elathur, a traditional Left bastion. He first contested and won from the constituency in 2011.