Kerala local body elections: It’s CPM Vs CPI in Kuttanad as allies clash over seats

Kuttanad: Tensions within the Left Democratic Front (LDF) are intensifying in Kuttanad over local body election seat distribution, with the CPM and CPI at loggerheads. In recent days, there has been a confrontational approach between the two parties across Kuttanad, with Ramankari emerging as the focal point of attention.

It is now confirmed that the CPM and CPI will contest against each other here. CPI plans to contest in eight seats with the objective of controlling the panchayat. Both parties have ruled out any possibility of a coalition.

The CPI’s opposition originates from CPM’s earlier support to the Congress in Ramankari. Due to factionalism, CPI had brought a no-confidence motion against Rajendrakumar, who had won the panchayat presidency on a CPM ticket. Before the motion could be debated, Rajendrakumar resigned, after which the CPM-backed Congress candidate secured the president’s position.

Ramankari has thus become the main centre of the CPM-CPI dispute. CPI has demanded five seats here, while CPM insists on offering only one. In protest, the CPI is fielding candidates independently in eight seats. A similar scenario exists in Muttara.

CPI had requested three seats elsewhere, but CPM’s insistence on offering just one seat has prompted CPI to contest in additional constituencies. CPI has also expressed grievances that CPM is refusing to vacate even their sitting seats in several areas.

In Neelamperoor, Kavalam, Champakkulam, Edathua, Nedumudi and Kainakari, no resolution has been reached over seat allocation. While an agreement has been reached to give CPI two seats in Kainakari, disagreement persists over which seats these will be.

In Thalavadi, including Neerettupuram, CPI demanded four seats. During discussions over Thakazhi, CPM announced its candidate unilaterally, further angering CPI. In all contested areas where CPM refuses to compromise, CPI has decided to contest independently.