Congress Finalises Kerala Candidate List After Intense Talks, Balances Factions and Fresh Faces

New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, March 2026 : With just three days remaining for filing nominations for the April 9 Kerala Assembly elections, the Indian National Congress on Thursday night released its final list of candidates, covering 37 constituencies and concluding several days of intense internal deliberations and negotiations.

With this announcement, the party has completed its slate for the 140-member Assembly, where it will contest 92 seats. Additionally, the Congress has extended support in three constituencies to rebel leaders who have parted ways with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), reflecting a strategic attempt to consolidate anti-incumbency votes.

The delay in finalising the list highlighted the delicate balancing act undertaken by the party leadership to manage factional interests, accommodate senior leaders, and introduce new faces. The process was marked by high drama, particularly after senior leader and Kannur MP K. Sudhakaran publicly voiced dissatisfaction and hinted at quitting the party.

The situation was eventually defused following the intervention of veteran Congress leader A. K. Antony, whose efforts helped restore unity within the party. Before leaving Delhi, Sudhakaran struck a conciliatory tone, reaffirming his loyalty and stating that he would actively campaign for the party, describing himself as a “small person before the giant Congress.”

The final list reflects a mix of experience and fresh talent. Seasoned leaders and former legislators such as N. Sakthan, T. Sarathchandra Prasad, Varkala Kahar, and V. Sivakumar have been fielded, signalling the party’s reliance on experienced candidates in key constituencies.

At the same time, loyal party workers including Eby Kuriakose, Roy K. Paulose, and Pazhakulam Madhu have been given their first opportunity to contest Assembly elections, indicating an effort to promote grassroots leaders.

However, the exclusion of sitting MLA Eldos Kunnappally has sparked discontent within the party. Expressing surprise over his omission, he said he was unaware of the reasons and would consult his supporters before deciding his next steps.

Another notable development is the inclusion of Sandeep Warrier, who joined the Congress in November 2024 and will contest from Thrikaripur, a constituency considered a CPI-M stronghold, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral battle.

In a strategic move, the Congress has also chosen to back CPI-M dissidents, including G. Sudhakaran, P. K. Sasi, and T. K. Govindan, who have publicly criticised their party leadership.

With the candidate list now finalised, the focus shifts to maintaining unity within the ranks and ensuring that disgruntled leaders do not trigger further unrest—a recurring challenge for the Congress as it prepares for a crucial electoral contest in Kerala.