With the countdown to Assembly elections underway, the Indian National Congress has released its final list of candidates for the high-stakes Kerala polls, completing its selection process just days before the nomination deadline.
Congress Wraps Up Candidate Selection
The party unveiled its last list covering 37 constituencies, bringing an end to four days of intense internal discussions. In the 140-member Kerala Assembly, Congress will contest 92 seats while extending support in three constituencies to rebel leaders opposing the ruling CPI(M).
Women Representation Triggers Concern
However, the announcement has sparked controversy within the party. Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed raised concerns over the low number of tickets given to women candidates.
In a post addressed to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, she expressed disappointment, stating that only 9 out of 92 tickets have been allocated to women. She also pointed out that in the last Lok Sabha elections, only one woman candidate was fielded from Kerala.
Elections Just Days Away
The Kerala Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in a single phase on April 9. With just three days left for filing nominations, political activity has intensified across the state.
Multi-State Poll Battle
Along with Kerala, Assembly elections will also take place in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Puducherry and Assam. The results for all five states are scheduled to be announced on May 4, making it a crucial political test for major parties.
High-Stakes Contest Ahead
As parties gear up for campaigning, internal issues like ticket distribution and representation could influence voter perception. The Congress, while finalising its candidates, now faces the challenge of balancing internal dissent with electoral strategy in a fiercely competitive political landscape.
