The Tide Of Dissent In CPI(M) That May Hurt Pinarayi Vijayan In Kerala Polls
Since 1979, power in Kerala has alternated mainly between two major coalitions - the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) - making polls predictable. However, this trend was disrupted in the 2021 state elections when the LDF returned to power for a second consecutive term, breaking the four-decade trend of electoral alternation.
Kerala, which was recently rechristened as Keralam, will vote in a single phase on April 9. The votes for the 140-member assembly will be counted on May 4.
With 80-year-old Pinarayi Vijayan looking to achieve a hat-trick of wins, a rare feat in the state politics, what is turning heads is not just the fight outside but what's happening within the CPI(M).
The flashpoint is Kannur, the heart of Kerala politics.
District secretary TK Govindan, a key organisational figure in the party's strongest bastion, has openly broken ranks on candidate selection.
He has criticised the decision to field PK Shyamala, wife of state secretary MV Govindan, and is set to contest against her as a rebel.
