Thiruvananthapuram: The CPM has decided to field all its sitting MLAs from the Thiruvananthapuram district for the upcoming 2026 Kerala Assembly Elections.

The decision was finalised during a high-level district committee and secretariat meeting attended by CPM State Secretary MV Govindan. The approved candidate list is now set for discussion at the constituency level on Saturday, before the final official announcement by the LDF (Left Democratic Front) leadership.

Thiruvananthapuram CPM candidate list 2026

The party has chosen to repose faith in its experienced leaders to counter the growing challenge from the BJP and UDF in the capital district. Below are the prominent names confirmed to enter the fray again:

  • Varkala: V Joy 
  • Attingal: OS Ambika
  • Kazhakoottam: Kadakampally Surendran
  • Vamanapuram: DK Murali
  • Vattiyoorkavu: VK Prasanth
  • Nemom: V. Sivankutty (Education Minister)
  • Aruvikkara: G Stephen
  • Sathish: IB Satheesh
  • Parassala: CK Hareendran
  • Neyyattinkara: K. Ansalan

The highlight of this list is the relaxation of the party's two-term norm. Under normal circumstances, the CPM restricts leaders from contesting more than twice. However, for the 2026 Kerala Elections, the state leadership has prioritised "winnability" over the term limit in the Thiruvananthapuram district.

Except for OS Ambika and G Stephen, almost all other candidates are gearing up for their third term. While VK Prasanth is technically entering his third contest, his first term was shortened as he won via a by-election.

State Secretary M.V. Govindan explained that the decision to stick with them is rooted in their "excellent performance" and ground-level popularity. With the BJP posing a serious threat in several city constituencies, the party believes that the established rapport of these sitting MLAs is its strongest asset.