Eyeing ‘VS Effect’? CPM moots fielding late leader's son Arun Kumar from Kayamkulam or Malampuzha

Cherthala: The CPM is contemplating fielding V S Achuthanandan’s son, V A Arun Kumar, in the upcoming legislative assembly elections. The proposal has emerged from Alappuzha and Palakkad districts. Party leadership has had preliminary discussions with V S’s family. Arun Kumar may contest either from Kayamkulam in Alappuzha or Malampuzha, which V S represented in his final term. The aim is to leverage public support that exists for V S beyond the party.

Currently, Arun Kumar serves as Assistant Director at the IHRD with additional temporary responsibilities. He can contest only if he resigns from this high-ranking post. The party is encouraging him to take an active role in politics.

Though Arun is not yet a party member, this is not a barrier to his candidacy. The CPM believes that fielding him could recreate the so-called ‘VS Effect’. The party also sees this as a strategy to overcome voter fatigue experienced in local body elections.

Kayamkulam is the primary consideration, as the current MLA U Pratibha has served two terms there, allowing the party to field a new candidate. From 2001 to 2016, VS represented Malampuzha in the assembly.

Meanwhile, Arun Kumar commented that he has heard the news but has no personal confirmation.

While formal candidate selection discussions have not begun, informal talks at the leadership level are reportedly ongoing.