KC(M) to push harder for seats in LDF ahead of local body polls

Keen to expand its influence within the Left Democratic Front (LDF), the Kerala Congress (M) has decided to press for a larger share of seats in the local body elections.

At a parliamentary party meeting in Kottayam on Saturday, the KC(M) noted that it was entitled to contest more seats in the local body polls. The decision sets the stage for tougher negotiations within the LDF, especially in the light of the Communist Party of India (CPI)’s firm stance on seat distribution.

The meeting, chaired by party chairman Jose K. Mani, also assigned district-level responsibilities to MLAs based on reports submitted by local committees. The strategy, party leaders said, is designed to secure a fairer share of seats from the LDF leadership.

Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine, Government Chief Whip N. Jayaraj, and MLAs Job Michael, Pramod Narayanan and Sebastian Kulathungal were present. The meeting stressed that the upcoming local body elections, regarded as a precursor to the Assembly polls, should be approached with utmost seriousness. The meeting also decided to form grassroots-level committees to ensure that government welfare schemes reach people.

Party leaders expressed confidence that a strong showing in the local body elections will pave the way for excellent results in the Assembly elections. The recent delimitation exercise, which increased the number of grama panchayat wards and block and district panchayat divisions, has further bolstered their case for more seats.

“The previous local body elections were held shortly after the KC(M) became part of the LDF, yet the party made significant gains. This time, with the number of wards increased, we are demanding a larger share,” a KC(M) leader said.

The leadership also believes that the party can capture several seats currently held by other constituents, including the CPI. “Even the CPI recognises that it has little influence in districts like Kottayam. If they hand over their weak seats to the KC(M), the LDF could sweep all municipalities and a majority of grama panchayats in Central Travancore,” the leader said.

The party also counts on the newly introduced Kerala Land Assignment (Amendment) Act, 2023, to work in its favour across the high-ranges.

Party sources, meanwhile, also revealed that the KC(M) plans to demand additional Assembly seats in next year’s elections. “We will ask for at least a couple of seats, including Kuttiyadi, which we ceded to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] last time. Our main focus is on the high-range regions of Malabar, where the Catholic community has a strong presence,” the source said.