Kerala Assembly polls: Congress throws weight behind former CPI(M) leader G. Sudhakaran in Ambalappuzha

Setting aside its initial reservations, the Congress has decided to support G. Sudhakaran, the dissident CPI(M) leader who will contest from Ambalappuzha as an Independent in the Kerala Assembly elections 2026.

According to sources, the Congress screening committee has decided not to field a party candidate in Ambalappuzha and to extend support to Mr. Sudhakaran instead. The decision has been finalised also in consultations with its partners in the Unied Democratic Front (UDF). Congress leaders are expected to meet him soon to formally convey their support.

While announcing his candidature, Mr. Sudhakaran had stated that he would not seek anyone’s backing and expressed that he would be “happy” to see Pinarayi Vijayan continue as Chief Minister for a third consecutive term. Following this, a section of Congress leaders openly expressed reluctance to support him.

Congress leadership in Alappuzha too conveyed their reservations to the KPCC and AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal, questioning why someone in this position should be supported. However, the party leadership clarified that the matter should not be allowed to escalate based solely on these remarks.

CPI(M) fields H. Salam

Meanwhile, the CPI(M) has fielded H. Salam in Ambalappuzha.

Ending an over six-decades-long association with the CPI(M), Mr. Sudhakaran announced last week that he would contest independently from Ambalappuzha, while also stating that he would not be holding any conventions or rallies for his election campaign.

“I am no longer a member of any party and I hope to earn the votes of all sections of the people. I will not be part of any party or alliance,” he said, adding that he would not speak against the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government.

The Congress leadership, however, regards these statements as a strategic move to secure votes from sections of the electorate loyal to his former party.

Meanwhile, the Congress screening committee’s decision has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the candidature of M. Liju in Ambalappuzha. In 2021, Mr. Liju contested for the Congress and lost to Mr. Salam by a margin of 11,125 votes. His name is now being considered for Thiruppunithura, along with that of Deepak Joy.