Published Mar 18, 2026 | 5:16 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 18, 2026 | 5:16 PM
Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan (Facebook)
Synopsis: Allotting Thiruvananthapuram Central to CMP has sparked dissent within the Congress. Several local Congress leaders were eyeing the key segment.
Opposition Leader VD Satheesan said the United Democratic Front has finalised the sharing of Assembly seats for the 9 April elections.
A day after the Congress released its first list of 55 candidates, Satheesan said on Wednesday, 18 March, that the INC will contest 95 seats, while the IUML will field its candidates in 27 constituencies.
The Kerala Congress (Joseph) has been allotted eight seats, two down from its previous 10. KC(J) has given up the Idukki and Ettumanoor (Kottayam) seats.
As part of seat adjustments, Thrikkaripur has gone to the Congress and Kanhangad to KC (J) (both in Kasaragod).
The RSP will retain the five seats it contested last time, with Mattannur (Kannur) allotted to the Congress and Payyannur (Kannur) to the RSP, where the UDF will support independent candidate V Kunjikrishnan.
RSP state secretary Shibu Baby John has already announced candidates for Chavara, Kunnathur, Eravipuram, and Attingal, while discussions continue on a fifth seat.
Meanwhile, Anoop Jacob of KC (J) will contest from Piravom (Ernakulam).
The CMP has been allotted Thiruvananthapuram Central, reportedly sparking dissent among some local Congress leaders, while the Kerala Democratic Party will contest from Pala and the RMP from Vadakara.
The RMP has sought an additional seat. Its lone MLA, KK Rema, currently represents Vadakara. PV Anvar of the TMC will contest from Beypore as a UDF-backed candidate.
The All India Forward Bloc has decided not to field a candidate this time.
