Will Congress High Command Decide on MPs Contesting Kerala Assembly Polls?
Synopsis
As the Kerala Assembly elections approach, the Congress high command is set to determine if sitting MPs will be part of the race. With candidate lists expected soon, crucial discussions are underway among party leaders, raising questions about the implications for upcoming political dynamics.
Key Takeaways
Congress high command to decide on MPs contesting.
Candidate list expected by month's end.
Screening Committee examining various factors.
Seat-sharing talks with UDF allies initiated.
Political dynamics closely monitored ahead of elections.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 4 (NationPress) The final decision regarding whether current party MPs will participate in the forthcoming Kerala Assembly elections will be made by the Congress high command, stated Madhusudan Mistry, the Chairman of the Congress Screening Committee, during a meeting here on Wednesday. He emphasized that this matter entails a broader policy consideration.
Mistry expressed his assurance that the party leadership would make a well-informed decision and noted that the list of Congress candidates is anticipated to be unveiled by the close of this month.
He mentioned that the Screening Committee will evaluate a range of factors before finalizing the candidates and indicated that it would be too early to ascertain if the survey results concerning incumbent MLAs would play a crucial role.
"Numerous elements will be thoroughly assessed during the candidate selection process," Mistry remarked.
At present, Mistry is in Kerala to lead meetings of the Congress screening committee and confer with party leaders at various levels.
Over the next couple of days, he plans to engage with senior leaders.
The state leadership had previously instructed the Presidents of the District Congress Committees (DCC) to provide lists of potential candidates, which will serve as a vital resource for the Screening Committee's discussions.
The high command team, headed by Mistry, had already conducted discussions with leaders statewide at different organizational levels during his last visit.
It remains uncertain if the Congress will reveal its preliminary candidate list by Friday, the day on which Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan is expected to commence a statewide yatra, a move that is being closely monitored within political circles.
In conjunction with finalizing the Congress candidate list, the state party leadership has also begun discussions regarding seat-sharing with its allies in the United Democratic Front (UDF).
In the 140-member Kerala Legislative Assembly, Congress had contested 93 seats during the 2021 Assembly elections.
The IUML contested 25 seats, the Kerala Congress-M 10, the RSP five, the NCK two, while the Kerala Congress-Jacob, CMP, and RMPI each contested one seat.
Additionally, two Independents were supported by the front.
This time, the Forward Bloc is expected to be allocated one seat, while the candidature of two-time former Left-backed independent legislator P.V. Anvar has already been approved for the Beypore constituency.
Point of View
The Congress party's decision on whether to field sitting MPs in the Kerala Assembly polls is crucial. It reflects broader electoral strategies and alliances within the UDF. Observing these dynamics can provide insights into Congress's future trajectory in state politics.
NationPress
7 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Congress candidate list be released?
The Congress candidate list is likely to be unveiled by the end of this month.
Who is leading the Screening Committee meetings?
Madhusudan Mistry is chairing the Screening Committee meetings in Kerala.
What factors will be considered for candidate selection?
The Screening Committee will evaluate various elements, including prior performance and survey reports.
Is there a seat-sharing arrangement with allies?
Yes, the Congress leadership has initiated discussions regarding seat-sharing with allies in the UDF.
How many seats did Congress contest in the last elections?
In the 2021 Assembly elections, Congress contested 93 out of 140 seats.
