In the political landscape of Kerala, a significant development has unfolded as former Chief Minister and prominent Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader V S Achuthanandan has announced his intention to contest against Congress candidate M V Raghavan in the upcoming by-election at Paloli Mohammed Kutty’s stronghold, Malampuzha.
Achuthanandan, who served as the CPI(M) state secretary from 1980 to 1992 and was one of the original 32 founding members of the party, has always been known for his propensity to identify divisions and wage battles on either side. This move is seen as a strategic one, given that Raghavan, a close associate of Congress leader Oommen Chandy, is contesting from this seat.
The by-election in Malampuzha was necessitated following the demise of its sitting MLA, Paloli Mohammed Kutty, who had been representing the constituency for three terms. The election is scheduled to be held on August 29, with counting of votes slated for September 1.
The Congress party has not yet officially announced Raghavan as its candidate for the by-election, but sources confirm his candidature. Achuthanandan’s announcement comes as a challenge to the Congress, which is looking to consolidate its position in Kerala ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
This move by Achuthanandan could potentially impact the political dynamics within Kerala, especially considering his significant influence among the party’s left-leaning supporters and Kutty’s stronghold in Malampuzha. The election will be closely watched as it promises to provide insights into the shifting political alliances and alignments in the state.
As the campaigning gears up, both the Congress and the CPI(M) are expected to intensify their efforts to woo voters and secure a victory in the by-election. The outcome of this election could set the stage for the 2026 Assembly elections in Kerala, making it an important contest to watch in the political calendar.
