The CPI, a key member of the ruling LDF coalition, wasted no time on Sunday by announcing its candidates for 25 constituencies shortly after the Election Commission confirmed that Kerala will go to the polls on 9 April. The state secretary, Binoy Viswam, unveiled the list which sees a mix of experienced cabinet members and fresh faces being thrown into the fray.
Among those seeking re-election are four current ministers— GR Anil, J Chinchurani, K Rajan, and P Prasad. The party has also chosen to back several legislators who have already completed two consecutive terms, such as Mohammed Muhasin and VR Sunil Kumar. In a notable move, the poet Alankode Leelakrishnan has been handed the ticket for the Thrissur seat, while former MLA Geetha Gopi returns to contest Nattika, replacing the incumbent CC Mukundan.
One of the most high-profile contests will be in North Paravur, where the party has shifted Kaipamangalam MLA ET Taison to challenge the Leader of the Opposition, VD Satheesan. The selection process has, however, seen some significant omissions; eight sitting MLAs, including E Chandrasekhar and CK Asha, have been denied tickets this time around. Overall, the party is fielding five women as part of its 25-candidate line-up.
While Viswam expressed confidence that the LDF would fight the election as a united front, he did raise concerns about the practicalities of the upcoming weeks. He admitted that campaigning during the height of the summer heat would be a gruelling experience for party workers. Furthermore, he pointed out that the CPI lacks the deep pockets of its rivals, making a long, expensive campaign a daunting financial prospect.
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