Thiruvananthapuram: The Left Democratic Front (LDF) is making active efforts to retain control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. This time, the front plans to field a mix of experienced leaders and young faces. With a strong challenge expected from the BJP and a well-prepared Congress, the contest is set to be intense.

The Congress has announced former MLA Sabarinathan as its candidate, prompting the LDF to take the opposition seriously. It remains to be seen whether the LDF will release its list of candidates before the official election announcement.

The CPM district secretariat will meet on Thursday to finalise the candidates, with the party reportedly planning a grand announcement.

As the Mayor’s seat falls under the general category this time, indications suggest that the current Mayor, Arya Rajendran, may not contest in the Corporation elections. Arya is expected to focus on the upcoming Assembly elections, as the party believes her candidacy there would be strategically beneficial. Widely known as the youngest Mayor in India, Arya’s popularity among the public is viewed as a strong asset for the CPM.

According to party sources, S.P. Deepak, a CPM district committee member and former general secretary of the Child Welfare Committee, is the frontrunner for the mayor post. Other likely candidates include district committee members S.A. Sundar and R.P. Sivaji.

The name of senior leader and former MP A. Sampath is also being discussed. Party insiders suggest that fielding the experienced Sampath could help the LDF consolidate its position and ensure continuity in governance.

Another prominent name under consideration is S. Jail Kumar, the CPM Chala Area Secretary. The party believes his organisational experience could prove valuable. In addition, the names of former Mayor K. Sreekumar, Chala Sundar, and Vanchiyoor Babu are also reportedly in the mix for key roles in the Corporation elections.