CPM candidate list row: Is KK Shailaja unwilling to move from Mattannur?

Kannur: Senior CPM leader and former Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja is reportedly unhappy with the emerging list of probable candidates for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections 2026, according to various reports.

Sources indicate that Shailaja has conveyed to the CPM state leadership that she is not inclined to contest if she is not fielded from the Mattannur constituency in Kannur district. Mattannur has been her political stronghold. Reports suggest she has formally communicated her stand to the party leadership.

However, party leaders are said to be considering dropping her from the contest, citing internal norms and the fact that she has already contested five Assembly elections. If not fielded from Mattannur, she was reportedly being considered for Peravoor.

Disagreement over the Taliparamba candidate

Meanwhile, differences have surfaced within the party over the possible candidature in Taliparamba. The local leadership has decided to drop the name of Sukanya from consideration.

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There is also speculation that CPM state secretary M V Govindan is backing journalist-turned-politician M V Nikesh Kumar as the preferred candidate for Taliparamba. Reports indicate that Govindan is keen on fielding Nikesh Kumar from the constituency.

Internal discussions intensify in Kannur

The reported disagreements have led to heightened internal discussions within the CPM in Kannur, a key district for the party. There are also deliberations over whether the inclusion of certain leaders, including Karayi Rajan, could have electoral implications in other constituencies.

The CPM has not made any official announcement regarding its final candidate list. The developments come amid ongoing seat-sharing talks and internal consultations ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections.