The Congress leads the Opposition UDF in Kerala, of which IUML is the second largest constituent. The combine also has other smaller parties. The IUML is fielding two women candidates for the first time in its history.
The Opposition combine is going to polls on the back of an impressive performance in the local body polls in Kerala, last year as well as hauling 18 out of 20 seats in the Lok Sabha polls in 2024. The LDF returned to power in the 2021 assembly elections by winning 99 seats in the 40-member assembly with the UDF retained in the Opposition with 41 seats.
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As per the latest understanding, the Kerala Congress (Joseph) will contest in eight seats, as per the understanding. The regional party had contested in 10 seats in the last assembly election and has settled for two seats less this time. The UDF-ally has already announced eight candidates with founder PJ Joseph opting out of electoral politics after about five decades, making way for his son Apu John Joseph (53). Not everything, however, has gone down well with a Congress leader announcing his decision to contest as independent in Alappuzha district, protesting conceding the Kuttanad seat to the Joseph faction of the Kerala Congress.
The Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), which contested five seats in the last election, will retain those.
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The political parties are racing against time to finalise their candidates and campaign strategies as March 23 is the last date for filing of nominations. The Election Commission will hold polls for all 140 seats on April 9, and the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
