Taliparamba: Senior leader of the ruling CPM in Kerala and Kannur district secretariat member T K Govindan may quit the party and contest as a rebel candidate in the Taliparamba constituency, according to reports from various sources.

The development follows the party’s decision to field P K Shyamala as its candidate, a move that has reportedly triggered unrest within the Kannur unit of the CPM. Govindan, who currently serves as the chairman of the Kerala State Handloom Development Corporation Ltd (Hanveev) , had earlier expressed opposition to Shyamala’s candidature during internal party discussions.

Sources said Govindan has not attended recent party meetings over the past few days, signalling growing dissent over the decision.

Sources also indicated that if Govindan enters the fray as an independent or rebel candidate, the Congress may consider backing him instead of fielding its own nominee.

Shyamala began her campaign soon after the official candidate announcement on Sunday. However, her candidature has already sparked controversy within political circles. Issues linked to the suicide of expatriate businessman Sajan in Anthoor have resurfaced in the debate around her nomination.

There is also criticism from sections of the party cadre, with allegations that Shyamala was chosen because her husband, CPM state secretary M V Govindan, is not contesting the election.

Taliparamba has long been considered a stronghold of the CPM, and the emerging controversy is seen as a potential challenge for the party in the constituency.