Kerala Assembly polls 2026: SDPI slams Satheesan, warns of withdrawing support to UDF in Manjeswaram

The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) criticised Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan for his assertion that the United Democratic Front (UDF) does not require SDPI votes, and called on other UDF leaders to clarify their position re the party.

SDPI State president C.P.A. Latheef said the party would reconsider its support to the UDF candidate in Manjeswaram unless Mr. Satheesan withdrew his remarks.

Mr. Latheef said that the SDPI had extended support to the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Nemom only after the CPI(M)’s local leadership sought it. He said SDPI workers were active in Nemom campaigning for LDF candidate V. Sivankutty.

“We are contesting 36 constituencies and have not yet decided which front to back in the remaining Assembly seats. If Mr. Satheesan maintains this stance, we will be left with no option but to support the Left in other constituencies as well, including Manjeswaram,” he said.

Terming Mr. Satheesan’s rejection of SDPI votes “mysterious,” Mr. Latheef alleged that the statement reflected a possible attempt to limit the UDF’s seat tally.

“There is a widespread perception that the UDF is poised to come to power in the April 9 Assembly election. If it secures a sweeping majority, Congress national general secretary K.C. Venugopal could emerge as Chief Minister. Mr. Satheesan’s chances hinge on the UDF securing only a simple majority. We suspect that his remarks may be driven by such a calculation,” the SDPI president said.

Mr. Latheef added that the SDPI had withdrawn its candidate in Manjeswaram following appeals from various organisations and parties, including Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) State president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal.

“Those organisations and their leaders, including Mr. Thangal, must now make their stand clear on Mr. Satheesan’s statement,” he said.

Mr. Latheef demanded that Congress leaders make their stand clear on accepting SDPI votes. “Mr. Venugopal said the party would accept all votes, including that of SDPI. The Congress should make its stand clear,” he said.

He warned that Mr. Satheesan’s statement would benefit the BJP in Kerala.