Sudhakaran, a former state Congress president and minister, had been firm on contesting the Kannur seat, which he won thrice in the past. Intense lobbying by multiple aspirants reflected the party’s optimism about the April 9 election, amid perceived anti-incumbency against the ruling Left Democratic Front after a decade in power.
Read more: Two Congress leaders join BJP ahead of Kerala polls
In a show of reconciliation, Sudhakaran welcomed former Kannur mayor TO Mohanan, who has been fielded by the party from the seat, at his residence on Friday. The 77-year-old leader said he would work for the party’s victory, signalling a climbdown after a protracted tussle. While releasing the final list of candidates on Thursday, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) said the party had handpicked every candidate “after several rounds of scrutiny and listening to the pulse of the people”.
Read more: ‘Undeclared’ President Rule in West Bengal, claims Mamata Banerjee
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called the candidates a collective of experienced leaders and young change-makers – a strong team of men and women who understand the intricacies of the constituencies they represent. “For me, Keralam is home and the people of Keralam are family. I owe a great debt to the people for everything they have taught me and for the love and warmth they have embraced me with – I will always be your partner…Along with the coming UDF government, I will do everything to help build a better future for this beautiful state,” he said in a post on X, referring to the state by its proposed new name, which has been approved by the Union cabinet and is awaiting final parliamentary ratification.
In Kannur, Mohanan said Sudhakaran would helm the campaign in Kannur and that he would function under his guidance, underscoring a public display of unity after sections of party workers had earlier protested in support of the MP. Party insiders indicated that the leadership may have reached a compromise with Sudhakaran after earlier assurances of an assembly ticket.
Concerns, however, persist within the party over delays in finalising the Kannur candidate, with less than three weeks left for polling. Mohanan dismissed the impact of the delay, adding that Sudhakaran’s expected presence at the election convention in Kannur on Saturday would boost the campaign.
