The Communist Party of India (Marxist) is facing a significant challenge in the upcoming Kerala assembly polls due to a rebellion by four of its key leaders and possible anti-incumbency.
The rebels, including former minister G Sudhakaran, are contesting as Independents backed by the Congress-led UDF, which believes its support will consolidate anti-CPI(M) votes and erode the party's core voter base.
The biggest challenge is in Ambalappuzha, where Sudhakaran is up against sitting CPI(M) MLA H Salam and BJP's Arun Anirudhan.
Two other rebels, V Kunhikrishnan and TK Govindan, are contesting in Payyanur and Taliparamba constituencies, respectively, where the CPI(M) has been undefeated and has a strong presence.
PK Sasi, a former district committee leader, is contesting in Ottapalam constituency, where the CPI(M) won 10 of the 12 seats in the 2021 assembly elections.
Experts believe that the candidature of the rebels and the support extended by the UDF will affect the CPI(M) in these seats and beyond, potentially leading to a win for the rebels.
