In a significant development ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala, senior Congress leaders from the state held extensive discussions with the party's high command in New Delhi. The meeting focused primarily on the crucial process of selecting candidates who will contest on the party's ticket in the forthcoming polls.
High-Level Deliberations in the National Capital
The delegation from Kerala, led by KPCC president Sunny Joseph and opposition leader V D Satheesan, met with All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Kharge and leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. The discussions were also attended by KPCC working presidents, several senior leaders from the state, and AICC observers who have been appointed for Kerala.
According to reliable sources within the party, the state leadership presented certain demands during the meeting. Notably, some Members of Parliament (MPs) from Kerala have expressed their desire to contest in the assembly elections. In response, KPCC president Sunny Joseph clarified that the final decision on this matter rests solely with the high command, which will deliberate on these requests carefully.
Clear Guidelines and Strict Instructions from the Top
The high command issued unequivocal instructions to the state leaders, emphasizing that internal bickering over candidate selection must be avoided at all costs. The leadership stressed that merit and the probability of winning should be the only criteria for selecting candidates. Furthermore, the high command made it explicitly clear that no senior leader should sponsor or promote any individual candidate in any constituency.
In a firm stance against lobbying, the AICC leadership stated that it will not entertain any kind of pressure or influence tactics regarding candidate selection. The directive from the top was clear: state leaders must stand united and take collective decisions to ensure a cohesive and strategic approach to the elections.
Continuity and Strategic Considerations
In a move that signals continuity, the high command has given its approval for all sitting MLAs to contest the elections again. Additionally, the party is considering fielding candidates who contested in the previous elections but lost by very narrow margins or put up a strong fight against their rivals. This strategic consideration aims to capitalize on previous electoral groundwork and voter familiarity.
Next Steps in the Candidate Selection Process
The election screening committee, headed by senior Congress leader Madhusudan Mistry, is scheduled to meet next week. This committee will initiate preliminary discussions on the selection of candidates, marking the formal beginning of the vetting process.
The state leadership is keen to announce the first list of candidates before the Election Commission of India declares the official election dates. This proactive approach is intended to provide candidates with ample time for campaigning and to streamline the party's electoral strategy well in advance.
This high-level meeting underscores the Congress party's focused preparations for the Kerala assembly elections, with a clear emphasis on discipline, unity, and strategic candidate selection to enhance its electoral prospects.
