Thiruvananthapuram
With the Lok Sabha poll results anticipated on June 4, a new challenge arises in Kerala, drawing attention to the CPI-M-led Left’s strategy. Three Upper House members from Kerala are set to retire on July 1, posing a dilemma for the Left as all retiring members belong to it, but the new nominations will likely see the Left winning two seats, while the Congress-led UDF secures one.
The retiring members include Binoy Viswam, the CPI’s state chief, Jose K. Mani from the Kerala Congress (Mani), and CPI-M stalwart Elamaram Kareem. While one seat is guaranteed for the UDF, the Left will claim two, leaving the question of which ally gets the nomination.
The CPI has long been a major ally of the ruling Left, while the KC-M only joined in 2020 after splitting from its parent party. The outcome of the Lok Sabha polls will be crucial for both parties, as their performance will influence the Left’s decision.
Jose K. Mani’s political trajectory, from his initial Parliament win in 2009 to his recent switch to the Left, adds intrigue to the situation. With the election notification expected soon, all eyes are on the CPI-M’s decision regarding the vacant seat.
