KK Shailaja to lead? History-beckoning LDF strategy ahead of Kerala Assembly polls?

Thiruvananthapuram: An unusual scene unfolded at the Kerala Assembly on the second day of the final session of the second Pinarayi Vijayan government, as Left leaders, led by former health minister K.K. Shailaja, stepped out to address the media ahead of the opposition — breaking long-standing legislative convention.

Traditionally, it is the opposition that first briefs the press after staging protests and boycotts inside the House. On Wednesday, however, it was the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) that took the lead, sharply criticising the opposition for boycotting the Assembly and offering a detailed explanation for changes made to the policy address.

The decision for Shailaja to front the media instead of senior ministers or CPM state secretary M.V. Govindan was widely seen as politically significant. The move has triggered speculation that the LDF, which is seeking a third consecutive term, may be preparing to project Shailaja as a key electoral face. It was the first such instance in five years, adding to the sense that her prominence was being deliberately elevated.

Opposition leaders were quick to dismiss the move as a “rehearsal”, though they privately concede it should not be taken lightly.

The developments come amid growing criticism within the CPM and CPI over Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s leadership style following the local body election results. Recent opinion surveys have also suggested that opposition leader V.D. Satheesan enjoys higher public acceptance than the Chief Minister, adding to internal unease within the ruling alliance.

There is increasing sentiment within the party that projecting Shailaja could broaden the LDF’s appeal. While Pinarayi Vijayan is expected to lead the campaign, the possibility of presenting Shailaja as the chief ministerial candidate has not been ruled out. Party leaders have reiterated that Vijayan will lead the front, but a final decision on the chief ministerial face remains open.

Shailaja’s record as a minister, particularly her popularity during the previous term, has strengthened perceptions that she could act as a crowd-puller. CPM general secretary M.A. Baby recently stated that while Vijayan would lead the election campaign, the question of who becomes chief minister would be decided later.

Shailaja’s exclusion from the Cabinet last term, despite winning the Mattannur seat with a record majority of 60,963 votes, had drawn widespread criticism. She later lost the Vadakara Lok Sabha seat by a margin of 1,14,506 votes, but her political relevance has remained intact.

With controversies such as the Sabarimala gold smuggling case still haunting the government and the UDF campaigning confidently on a 100-seat target, securing a third term will not be easy for the CPM. Against this backdrop, the party is reportedly weighing the strategic elevation of Shailaja — a move that could be historic in Kerala politics.