Published Mar 06, 2026 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 06, 2026 | 8:45 AM
CPI Kerala.
Synopsis: The Communist Party of India (CPI) has dropped six sitting MLAs who have served three terms each, strictly enforcing its tenure limit as it prepares the final list of candidates for the Kerala Assembly polls. The move opens space for new faces, with the party also considering candidates from youth and women’s organisations as the Left Democratic Front seeks a third consecutive term in office.
As it prepares to finalise its candidate list for the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls, the Communist Party of India (CPI) has dropped six of its sitting MLAs.
The decision follows the party’s norm of limiting MLAs to two terms. Even so, E Chandrasekharan (Kanhangad), EK Vijayan (Nadapuram), Chittayam Gopakumar (Adoor), GS Jayalal (Chathannoor), PS Supal (Punalur) and V Sasi (Chirayinkeezhu) had earlier received an exception to the rule and were allowed to secure third terms.
This time, the state executive has taken a strict position that the tenure principle must be enforced, with exemptions granted only in exceptional circumstances by district committees with proper justification.
If the rule is applied to the letter, MLAs CK Asha (Vaikom) and P Balachandran (Thrissur), who have each served two terms, could also be dropped.
These vacancies now open the door for fresh faces. Sources said more seats could go to representatives from youth and women’s organisations. A central directive has called for women candidates in at least three constituencies.
The state executive and state council will meet on 8 March to seal the list before forwarding it to the central leadership for approval.
District executives have already been directed to convene meetings and submit draft panels of three names each from constituencies where the party is in the fray.
The CPI, which contested 25 seats in the 2021 Assembly elections, two fewer than in 2016 after accommodating new LDF allies, is aiming for a refresh.
The choice of candidates, a district-level leader told South First, is not just based on party calculations but also on the coalition’s ambition of securing a third consecutive term in office. Experience, local rapport and organisational strength are the key criteria.
The possibility of surprise entries in certain “safe” seats is also being discussed.
At the same time, all four of the party’s serving ministers in the LDF government—K Rajan (Ollur), GR Anil (Nedumangadu), P Prasad (Cherthala) and J Chinchurani (Chadayamangalam)—are set to seek re-election from their respective constituencies.
Though the final word will come on 8 March, the probable list under discussion includes:
Nedumangadu – GR Anil (sitting MLA)
Chirayinkeezhu – Manoj B Idamana
Chathannoor – R Rajendran / R Sajilal
Punalur – Sam K Daniel
Chadayamangalam – J Chinchurani (sitting MLA)
Karunagappally – MS Tara
Adoor – CA Arunkumar
Haripad – TT Gismon
Cherthala – P Prasad (sitting MLA)
Vaikom – P Pradeep / CK Asha (sitting MLA)
Peerumedu – K Salimkumar
Paravur – N Arun / KK Ashraf
Muvattupuzha – N Arun / Eldo Abraham
Thrissur – P Balachandran (sitting MLA)
Ollur – K Rajan (sitting MLA)
Nattika – CC Mukundan (sitting MLA)
Kaippamangalam – ET Tyson (sitting MLA)
Kodungallur – VR Sunilkumar (sitting MLA)
Mannarkad – KP Suresh Raj
Pattambi – P Muhammed Muhsin (sitting MLA)
Tirurangadi – Nias Pulikalakathu
Manjeri – Ajith Koladi
Nadapuram – P Vasantham
Kanhangad – Govindan Pallikappil
