Palakkad is witnessing intense political manoeuvring ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, with potential defections and new alignments threatening to disturb the established balance in one of Kerala’s key districts.

Indications suggest that senior CPM leader P K Sasi and BJP figure Prameela Sasidharan are engaged in discussions with the Congress. Sasidharan is reportedly eyeing a dramatic entry into the party when Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan’s ‘Puthuyuga Yatra’ arrives in the district. Sources within Congress circles suggest that she may be considered for a ticket in either Shoranur or Ottappalam if she formally joins the party.

At the same time, Sasi is said to be exploring the possibility of launching a regional political outfit to assert his independent influence. Political watchers believe such a move could attract a segment of traditional Left supporters, potentially altering local equations.

Further adding to the fluid situation are reports of CPM dissidents in Kozhinjampara, Mannarkkad and Ottappalam discussing the formation of a new political platform, tentatively named the Democratic Marxist Party (DMP). It remains unclear whether Sasi would take the lead in such an initiative or eventually align with the Congress.

Palakkad holds strategic importance for the Left. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the CPM-led LDF secured 10 of the district’s 12 seats, while the Congress-led UDF won two. The BJP, though without a seat, demonstrated its presence by finishing second in two constituencies, highlighting the competitive undercurrents in the district.

The region also carries symbolic weight, having been represented by veteran Communist leader and former Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, who won four consecutive terms from 2001 before retiring. In a major development, his long-time personal assistant A Suresh is reportedly being considered by the Congress to contest from the same constituency. Meanwhile, Achuthanandan’s son V A Arunkumar is said to be among those being considered by the CPM.

With multiple political possibilities unfolding simultaneously, any shift in Palakkad’s political landscape is widely viewed as more likely to dent the Left than its opponents.

IANS