Thiruvananthapuram: Senior Congress leader A K Antony has issued a firm call to action for K Sudhakaran, insisting that party discipline is the only way to prevent the Left Democratic Front (LDF) from securing a historic third consecutive term.

Against the backdrop of internal friction regarding candidate selection for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, Antony highlighted Sudhakaran’s long history of resisting the CPM in the volatile Kannur region. "I had a detailed discussion with K Sudhakaran. He is someone who has fought against the Marxist party in Kannur, even risking his life," Antony said, urging the leader to look past personal or procedural grievances for the sake of the UDF’s success.

The veteran leader emphasised that the primary mission is to break the LDF’s momentum. "I told him very clearly that under no circumstances should there be a situation that allows a third term for the Marxists to come to power. I requested him that, whatever difficulties he may face, he should follow the party line and stand by the party’s decision," Antony added.

LDF claims UDF is in disarray

The CPM has been quick to capitalise on the perceived cracks within the Congress. State secretary M V Govindan mocked the UDF's early confidence, suggesting that internal disputes have left them vulnerable.

"The Indian National Congress and the United Democratic Front had approached the upcoming election with a lot of confidence... However, with the candidate selection process, they have now realised that their problems lie within their own camp," Govindan remarked. He specifically pointed to the delays in finalising Sudhakaran's role as a sign of deepening crisis.

While the Congress focuses on internal alignment, Govindan remains confident that the LDF's "development trajectory" will resonate with voters, leading to a third term.

ANI