Thiruvananthapuram, March 14 (NationPress) As the Assembly elections in Kerala approach, the Congress party is experiencing a flurry of activity with leaders and candidates vying for party nominations. Despite the Election Commission's expected announcement of the poll schedule next week, party offices in both Thiruvananthapuram and New Delhi are already abuzz with discussions. Aspiring candidates have intensified their lobbying efforts, vigorously asserting their claims for seats in the upcoming elections.

As the electoral countdown begins, the typical pre-poll drama within the Congress party has once again taken center stage—a scenario political analysts say is nearly as predictable as the monsoon.

Within the Kerala chapter of the party, the candidate selection process often resembles a public contest rather than a discreet, behind-closed-doors affair. Many leaders, from seasoned veterans to newer entrants, have openly showcased their ambitions, leaving party workers in a blend of amusement and apprehension.

Among those seeking nominations are former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president and current Lok Sabha MP K. Sudhakaran, alongside notable figures such as Deepthi Mary Varghese, Babu Divakaran, former Speaker N. Sakthan, and ex-Deputy Speaker Palode Ravi, in addition to numerous others who are patiently awaiting their opportunity.

The stakes are high, with the Congress party currently holding 22 MLAs in the 140-member Assembly, although that figure is anticipated to shift this time around. Senior leader K. Babu has already declared his retirement from electoral politics, while Rahul Mamkootathil has been expelled from the party.

In this election, the Congress is projected to contest approximately 90 seats, allocating the remainder to its allies within the United Democratic Front. This seat distribution has ignited intense lobbying, with hopeful candidates publicly asserting their claims, occasionally before the party leadership has even initiated discussions.

Attention has now turned to New Delhi, where senior leaders are reportedly striving to finalize a candidate list that minimizes internal friction—a task that is easier said than done.

Nonetheless, a senior Congress leader seemed unfazed by the current commotion. “In Kerala, if everything is quiet in the Congress, that’s when we should be concerned,” he quipped with a grin. “When everyone is vocal, it signifies that the party is alive. Eventually, the chaos settles, and we contest the election as a united front.”

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan called on the media to await the official candidate announcements. “Please allow us to finalize our candidates before the media publishes its own list. Our official list will be ready and released shortly after the elections are announced. How can I comment on a list that isn’t ours?” Satheesan stated.

For now, the debates and discussions continue to swirl within the party as the state gears up for the Assembly polls.