LDF sets candidates in Pathanamthitta, UDF struggles with controversy

Even as the LDF is moving to seal its lineup in Pathanamthitta, the UDF is still wrestling with candidate choices, managing internal rivalries, and keeping a few surprises up its sleeve.

Official sources said days of heated discussions and conflicting opinions within the coalition have set the stage for some last-minute drama. While the Youth Congress National Secretary Abin Varkey, a member of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian church, leads the race for the ticket in Aranmula, Ramya Haridas is expected to contest from Adoor. In Ranni, KPCC general secretary Pazhakulam Madhu has emerged as the frontrunner for the UDF ticket.

Konni, meanwhile, has seen shifting possibilities as earlier speculation about MP Adoor Prakash entering the race has given way to a plan favouring the District Congress Committee president Satheesh Kochuparambil. The Thiruvalla seat, which has been allotted to the Kerala Congress, is expected to see Varghese Mamman as its candidate.

A senior Congress leader in the district notes that the process of candidate selection has not been without friction.

“Several party leaders expressed their displeasure during DCC meetings, particularly over the prospect of candidates from outside the district, ‘’ he said. With the war of words beginning to spill onto social media, the leadership has warned of stern action against those airing their opinions publicly, he added.

Currently, the UDF holds no seats in Pathanamthitta, making this election a high-stakes push to reclaim all five constituencies.

On the other side, the LDF appears to have moved faster and more decisively. In Aranmula and Konni, sitting CPI(M) legislators Veena George and K.U. Janish Kumar are expected to return. While Ms.George will be seeking her third term, Mr. Kumar, who has already won a by-election and the 2021 assembly election, prepares for his third battle in Konni.

In Adoor, the CPI has thrown its weight behind Priji Kannan, whose nomination was sealed at the CPI State Executive meeting. In Thiruvalla, the seasoned Mathew T. Thomas, who has been representing the constituency since 2006, is likely to retain his seat with the backing of the Indian Socialist Janata Dal (ISJD) State unit. Meanwhile, in Ranni, Pramod Narayanan will be seeking a second term as Kerala Congress (M) candidate.