New Delhi: The Indian National Congress has firmly decided not to field any sitting Lok Sabha MPs in the upcoming Kerala Legislative Assembly elections, a move that has triggered significant discontent within party ranks.
Aiming to dislodge the ruling LDF government, the Congress leadership is placing greater trust in strong regional and local faces rather than parliamentarians.
On Thursday , the party released its second list of 37 candidates, bringing the total announced candidates to 92 .The most explosive reaction came from Kannur MP K. Sudhakaran, whose name was missing from the list.YouBella Jewellery Bracelets for Women Stylish Rose Gold Plated Crystal Bracelet Bangle Jewellery for Girls and Women
Expressing deep disappointment, he publicly threatened to resign from the party and even hinted at contesting independently, creating a brief but intense internal crisis.
However, sustained high-level negotiations by the Congress high command including interventions by senior leader and former Defence Minister A.K. Antony successfully persuaded Sudhakaran to retract his threat.also read:Assam election, three Gogois versus Himanta Biswa Sarma of BJP
Before boarding a flight from Delhi to Kannur, he issued a clear statement: “I am fully committed to the party’s decision. I have no intention of contesting without the party’s approval or as an independent.
I completely accept and bow to the high command’s choice.”Sources indicate that Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan played a significant role in advocating for the exclusion of sitting MPs from the Assembly ticket race, arguing it would strengthen the UDF’s grassroots connect and campaign momentum.also read :Bagalkot By-election: BJP Candidate Veeranna Charantimath Files Nomination
In Kannur, the party has fielded former Mayor T.O. Mohanan.Nominations for the Kerala Assembly elections close on March 23. Polling will take place in a single phase on April 9, 2026, with vote counting and results on May 4. The 140-seat Assembly is witnessing a fierce triangular contest between the UDF (Congress-led), LDF (CPI(M)-led), and NDA (BJP-led).
The Congress is expected to announce candidates for the remaining seats shortly.While the high command has managed to contain the immediate rebellion, underlying tensions among some aspirants and leaders continue to simmer as the party finalizes its full lineup.also read :CM’s Budget Shatters Public Expectations; B.Y. Vijayendra Lashes Out at Minister Priyank Kharge