Why is the Turncoats List Expanding as Kerala Assembly Elections Approach?
Synopsis
As the Kerala Assembly elections draw near, the CPI(M) faces unprecedented challenges with a growing list of political turncoats. Former party stalwarts are shifting allegiances, raising questions about the party’s future amidst a shifting political landscape.
Key Takeaways
The CPI(M) is experiencing an unprecedented wave of defections.
Former members are seeking opportunities with rival parties.
The Congress is looking to capitalize on these shifts.
Political alliances are becoming increasingly fluid.
Key constituencies are seeing active competition.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 10 (NationPress) As the Kerala Assembly elections approach, the roster of political turncoats expected to participate is continuously expanding.
What stands out this time is that the upheaval is affecting the CPI(M), a party that historically benefited from prominent defections from the Congress.
The names circulating include two former three-term CPI(M) MLAs, a twice-elected Independent legislator with Left affiliations, and a long-serving personal aide of V.S. Achuthanandan.
This trend is nearly unprecedented for the CPI(M) in recent times. Traditionally, the ‘red party’ was perceived as a secure haven for leaders departing from the Congress.
The last significant defector to join the CPI(M) was P. Sarin, who was nominated from Palakkad during the November 2024 by-election.
A Congress hopeful who was denied a ticket at the eleventh hour, Sarin switched allegiances in frustration, ran under the CPI(M) banner, but ended up in a distant third place.
This attempt was deemed a failure and considered largely an anomaly. However, the situation now appears different.
The CPI(M), already reeling from a near defeat in the December local body elections, is experiencing a steady departure of well-known figures.
Among those who have exited are three-time MLA Aiysha Potti and S. Rajendran, along with two-time Left-supported Independent MLA P.V. Anvar.
Rajendran has joined the BJP, boosting the party's prospects in Idukki district.
Potti, in contrast, has received a warm welcome from senior Congress leaders.
She is widely anticipated to contest from Kottarakkara, a constituency she previously won three consecutive times starting in 2006.
Anvar’s path has been more complicated. After a falling out with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan last year, he resigned as an MLA and pledged allegiance to the Congress.
Discussions later fell apart, leading him to run as an Independent from Nilambur, where he finished third.
Now, he has been reaccepted into the Congress and is likely to be nominated as a UDF-endorsed Independent candidate from Beypore against Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, the Chief Minister's son-in-law.
Adding to the drama is A. Suresh, Achuthanandan’s longtime aide.
He confirmed on Tuesday that UDF leaders have approached him, inquiring about his interest in contesting from Malampuzha, the seat Achuthanandan represented three times since 2001.
“Yes, I have been approached. Malampuzha is my hometown. I have not made any decisions yet,” Suresh stated.
The upcoming days are expected to involve intense negotiations, with the Congress aiming to leverage the Left’s unease by fielding as many defecting candidates as possible.
As the election countdown continues, political alliances seem more fluid than ever.
Point of View
The changing dynamics within the CPI(M) showcase the fluid nature of political affiliations. As seasoned politicians switch sides, it highlights the challenges faced by established parties in maintaining loyalty. The upcoming elections will test the resilience of the CPI(M) and the strategic maneuvers of the Congress in capitalizing on these defections.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current political scenario in Kerala?
As the Kerala Assembly elections approach, several prominent figures from the CPI(M) are defecting to other parties, notably the Congress and BJP.
Who are some notable turncoats from CPI(M)?
Key figures leaving CPI(M) include Aiysha Potti, S. Rajendran, and P.V. Anvar, each with unique reasons for their shift.
How is the Congress responding to these defections?
The Congress is actively engaging with former CPI(M) members, hoping to leverage their popularity and experience in the upcoming elections.
What impact could these defections have on the elections?
The defection trend could significantly impact voter sentiment, potentially reshaping the political landscape in the upcoming elections.
Is this trend common in Kerala politics?
While political realignments are not unusual, the scale and timing of these defections from CPI(M) are noteworthy in the current context.
