CPI threatens to go it alone in Thrikkakara

A dispute between the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] over contesting in two wards is threatening to fracture the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Thrikkakara municipality, with the CPI announcing its intention to contest independently due to the CPI(M)’s alleged intransigence.

The CPI took a firm stance by unilaterally announcing candidates in four wards—Sahakarana Road, Health Centre, Snehanilayam, and Kannankeri—on Thursday. The two LDF constituents have been at odds over the right to contest in the Health Centre and Sahakarana Road wards, effectively stalling seat-sharing discussions in the municipality, which has traditionally been a United Democratic Front (UDF) stronghold.

While the CPI claims these wards fall within its sphere of influence, the CPI(M) insists on contesting them based on winnability. Reportedly, the dispute remains unresolved despite intervention by both State and district leaderships.

“We will reconsider our decision if the CPI(M) concedes our demand for those two seats. Otherwise, we will contest another 16 or so seats independently. The matter was discussed by the district leaderships of both parties as recently as Thursday evening, but the CPI(M) refused to give up its claim. Damaging the LDF is not our intention, but LDF unity cannot come at the cost of our party,” said a senior CPI leader.

However, CPI(M) district secretary S. Satish said the matter had not come before him.

The CPI argues that, following delimitation, a majority of votes from Athani ward—considered its traditional stronghold—have shifted to the Health Centre ward, giving it a legitimate claim. In the case of the other contentious ward, Sahakarana Road—which absorbed the Mampillyparambu ward following delimitation—the CPI claims its entire vote base from the now-defunct ward has been merged into Sahakarana Road, giving it the right to field a candidate there.

Although CPI(M) offered two alternative seats, the CPI argues that it has no viable chance in those wards. In the last election, the CPI won two of the six seats it contested—Athani and Snehanilayam.