The Indian National Congress, as part of the United Democratic Front (UDF) alliance, has unveiled its list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024. The party will be contesting in 16 out of the 20 parliamentary constituencies in Kerala. The announcement was made by Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal during a press conference.
Key Highlights
- Congress (UDF) has announced candidates for 16 seats in Kerala
- Rahul Gandhi to contest from Wayanad constituency
- Prominent leaders like Shashi Tharoor and K Muraleedharan in the fray
- Elections expected to be held in May 2024
Constituency-wise Candidates
The following table presents the Congress candidates for each constituency:
| Constituency | Candidate |
|---|---|
| Kasaragod | Rajmohan Unnithan |
| Kannur | K Sudhakaran |
| Vadakara | Shafi Parambil |
| Wayanad | Rahul Gandhi |
| Kozhikode | M K Raghavan |
| Palakkad | V K Sreekandan |
| Alathur | Ramya Haridas |
| Thrissur | K Muraleedharan |
| Chalakudy | Benny Behanan |
| Ernakulam | Hibi Eden |
| Idukki | Dean Kuriakose |
| Alappuzha | K C Venugopal |
| Mavelikkara | Kodikunnil Suresh |
| Pathanamthitta | Anto Antony |
| Attingal | Adoor Prakash |
| Thiruvananthapuram | Shashi Tharoor |
The list features a mix of seasoned politicians and young leaders, reflecting the party’s aim to strike a balance between experience and fresh perspectives. Among the prominent names, Rahul Gandhi, the former Congress president, will be seeking re-election from the Wayanad constituency. The inclusion of Rahul Gandhi in the candidate list is expected to boost the morale of the party workers and supporters in the state.
Another notable figure in the list is Shashi Tharoor, the incumbent MP from Thiruvananthapuram. Known for his eloquence and diplomatic acumen, Tharoor’s candidature is likely to be a key factor in the capital city.
The Congress party has also given due representation to various regions and communities within the state. The list encompasses candidates from diverse backgrounds, aiming to appeal to a wide range of voters.
Opposition and Alliances
The Congress (UDF) will face stiff competition from the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by the CPI(M) and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The electoral battle in Kerala is expected to be closely contested, with each party trying to secure a maximum number of seats.
The UDF, which includes the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Kerala Congress (M), among others, is banking on the anti-incumbency factor against the LDF government. The Congress-led alliance aims to capitalize on various issues, including the alleged mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic slowdown.
As the Lok Sabha elections 2024 approach, the announcement of the Congress (UDF) candidates in Kerala marks the beginning of an intense political battle. With a mix of experienced leaders and fresh faces, the party is gearing up to challenge the ruling dispensation and secure a significant number of seats in the state. The coming months will witness rigorous campaigning and political maneuvering as the candidates engage with the electorate and present their vision for the future of Kerala and the nation as a whole.
