Kannur | March 19, 2026:
After days of intense internal pressure and speculation, senior Congress leader K. Sudhakaran is likely to be fielded from Kannur, with strong indications that the party high command has softened its earlier stand.
The development comes amid reports that Sudhakaran had expressed dissatisfaction over being excluded from the initial candidate list. Sources within the party suggest that he had even considered contesting as an independent candidate if denied a seat, escalating tensions within the Kerala unit of the Congress.
Internal Pressure Forces Rethink
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) reportedly faced mounting pressure from state leaders and grassroots workers, particularly in Kannur, where Sudhakaran continues to enjoy significant influence. His supporters had warned that sidelining him could weaken the party’s prospects in the region.
Party insiders indicate that discussions continued late into the night, with senior leadership reassessing the political implications of the decision. The possibility of a rebellion in Kannur is believed to have played a key role in the high command’s reconsideration.
Earlier Controversy Over Candidate List
The Congress candidate list for Kerala had sparked controversy after Sudhakaran’s name was missing, triggering widespread criticism and confusion among party ranks. Questions were raised about the criteria used in finalizing candidates and whether internal factionalism influenced the decision.
Sudhakaran’s Stand
While Sudhakaran has not officially announced his next move, close aides hinted that he was prepared to take a strong stand to retain his political base in Kannur. His potential independent candidacy had become a serious concern for the party leadership.
Final Decision Expected Soon
With the high command now appearing to yield, an official announcement confirming Sudhakaran’s candidature from Kannur is expected shortly. The move is seen as an attempt to maintain unity within the party and avoid further internal conflict ahead of the elections.
