Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Adoor Prakash’s stance adds to Congress confusion in Pathanamthitta

Reports that the Congress high command is considering granting an exemption to K. Sudhakaran in Kannur appear to have further complicated the United Democratic Front’s candidate selection process in Pathanamthitta.

According to party sources, UDF convener and Attingal MP Adoor Prakash, who has set his sights on the Konni seat, has conveyed to the leadership that if Mr. Sudhakaran, Kannur MP, is allowed to contest, he too deserves similar consideration. He is also learnt to have cautioned that he would not take responsibility for any fallout in Konni if his demand is overlooked, a stance he has directly communicated to the high command.

Earlier on Thursday, following the party’s general directive that sitting MPs should not contest, Mr. Prakash had publicly declared on social media that he would not enter the fray in Konni. While expressing his emotional attachment to the constituency and urging party workers to respect the decision, he appeared to fall in line. However, once news emerged about a possible exemption for Mr. Sudhakaran, he withdrew the post and reiterated his claim.

Four constituencies

The development has deepened uncertainty in Pathanamthitta, where the Congress is yet to finalise candidates in four constituencies — Adoor, Ranni, Konni, and Aranmula. Mr. Prakash’s renewed interest in Konni has also influenced parallel discussions in Ranni, where Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) secretary Pazhakulam Madhu remains the front runner for the ticket.

In Konni, the leadership had been considering Satheesh Kochuparambil, president of the Pathanamthitta District Congress Committee. The entry of Mr. Prakash into the equation, however, has further complicated the decision-making process. In Aranmula, Youth Congress leader Abin Varkey continues to figure among the probables.