As Kerala gears up for the elections to its three-tier local bodies, a significant hurdle has emerged for at least two candidates of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), who face the possibility of being unable to contest due to their alleged absence from the official voters’ list. This development comes at a time when the contests in urban local bodies, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, are expected to be intense and highly competitive, making every nomination crucial.

The candidates at the center of this controversy are VM Vinu, a noted film director contesting from Kallai ward in Kozhikode Corporation, and Vyshna Suresh, contesting from the Muttada ward in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Both figures are considered prominent faces for the UDF in their respective areas, with Vinu seen as a potential mayoral candidate for Kozhikode Corporation. Their potential disqualification could have wider political implications, especially in the context of the UDF attempting to consolidate its position in urban centers traditionally dominated by the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

Vyshna Suresh: Address Dispute and High Court Intervention

Vyshna Suresh’s case highlights the procedural challenges and political disputes that can arise in electoral preparations. According to reports, her inclusion in the voters’ list came under scrutiny after the rival Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] lodged a complaint claiming that the address she submitted during the nomination process was inaccurate. Following the complaint, the State Election Commission (SEC) removed her name from the supplementary voters’ list published earlier this month.

However, Vyshna gained a slight reprieve after the Kerala High Court intervened, observing that removing her name without conducting a proper inquiry appeared to be procedurally improper. The court’s remarks reflected the importance of ensuring due process before disqualifying any candidate, particularly in closely fought local elections where the participation of prominent candidates can influence outcomes.

On November 18, 2025, the SEC conducted a hearing to review the matter in light of the High Court’s directions. Vyshna expressed optimism following the hearing, stating that she expects the SEC to rule in her favor, thereby allowing her to participate in the upcoming local body elections. This outcome is critical not only for her personal political ambitions but also for the UDF’s strategy in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, which has historically witnessed strong competition between the UDF and the CPI(M).

VM Vinu: Mayoral Aspirant in Kozhikode

In Kozhikode, VM Vinu faces a different but equally significant challenge. Vinu, who is widely considered a strong mayoral candidate for the UDF, finds that his name is missing from the final voters’ list of the SEC. Reports indicate that his name was also absent from the 2020 voters’ list, raising questions about administrative errors or possible political interference.

Despite these discrepancies, Vinu and the Congress leadership have maintained that he has been a registered voter, citing evidence that he cast his vote in the 2020 elections at booth number 4 in the 8th division. Both Vinu and the UDF allege that the CPI(M) played a role in ensuring his omission from the voters’ list, suggesting that political maneuvering may have influenced what should have been a straightforward electoral process.

The stakes are high for Vinu and the UDF in Kozhikode Corporation, where urban political dynamics are often closely contested. The absence of a high-profile candidate like Vinu could potentially provide the CPI(M) an advantage, especially in a scenario where local voter mobilization plays a decisive role in determining the outcome.

Broader Context: Kerala Local Body Elections

Kerala’s local body elections are crucial for understanding the broader political currents in the state. The elections to urban local bodies, district panchayats, and block panchayats serve as a litmus test for party popularity and organizational strength. In this context, the UDF has emphasized the need to field strong candidates capable of challenging the entrenched influence of the CPI(M) in several regions.

The cases of Vyshna Suresh and VM Vinu underscore the procedural and legal complexities associated with elections. In addition to addressing voter registration issues, parties must also navigate complaints from rivals, scrutiny by the SEC, and potential judicial interventions. These procedural hurdles can often have political consequences, particularly in competitive constituencies where margins of victory are narrow.

Inclusivity in Candidate Selection: Arunima M Kurup

While issues surrounding voters’ lists have dominated headlines, the Congress has also made strides in promoting inclusivity in candidate selection. The party has fielded Arunima M Kurup, a transwoman, from the Vayalar division for the Alappuzha district panchayat elections. This marks a historic move, as Kurup is the first transgender candidate to contest elections in the district.

Kurup, aged 26, is a former activist of SFI (Students’ Federation of India) and DYFI (Democratic Youth Federation of India), the student and youth wings of the CPI(M). She left the party after becoming disillusioned with its internal politics and has since aligned herself with the Congress. Kurup’s candidacy represents a significant milestone in promoting political representation for marginalized communities in Kerala. She aims to win the traditionally CPI(M)-strong Vayalar division for the UDF, reflecting the party’s strategy of blending social inclusion with electoral competitiveness.

Implications for UDF and CPI(M)

The potential removal of Vyshna Suresh and VM Vinu from the voters’ lists could have immediate and long-term implications for Kerala’s urban politics. Both candidates are seen as influential figures within the UDF, and their absence could impact voter sentiment and party morale. For the CPI(M), raising complaints about voter registration could serve as a tactical maneuver to unsettle prominent UDF candidates, although such strategies are not without legal and procedural risks.

Moreover, these incidents highlight the delicate balance between administrative oversight and political strategy. The SEC’s role becomes critical in ensuring transparency and fairness, especially when high-profile candidates are involved. Ensuring that electoral rolls are accurate and that grievances are addressed promptly is essential for maintaining public confidence in the democratic process.

Looking Ahead

As the SEC prepares to announce its decision regarding Vyshna Suresh and VM Vinu, political observers are closely watching the proceedings. A favorable outcome for Vyshna could restore her ability to contest in Thiruvananthapuram, while Vinu’s case may require additional administrative clarification to confirm his eligibility in Kozhikode. Both decisions will likely influence the electoral calculations of the UDF and CPI(M) in these urban centers.

Meanwhile, the Congress continues to emphasize inclusivity and diversity in its candidate selection, as evidenced by the historic nomination of Arunima M Kurup. By fielding candidates from diverse backgrounds, the party seeks to strengthen its appeal among younger voters and marginalized communities, signaling a strategic shift in its approach to Kerala local body elections.

Conclusion

The controversies surrounding the voters’ lists in Kerala’s upcoming local body elections underscore the intersection of administrative processes, legal oversight, and political strategy. For Vyshna Suresh and VM Vinu, the coming days are crucial in determining whether they will be able to participate in the elections, potentially influencing the electoral fortunes of the UDF in key urban centers. Simultaneously, the Congress’ efforts to promote inclusivity through candidates like Arunima M Kurup indicate a broader attempt to modernize its electoral appeal and challenge the established dominance of the CPI(M) in selected constituencies.

As Kerala prepares for what is expected to be a fiercely contested local election season, the resolution of these voters’ list disputes will likely set important precedents for the conduct of elections and the enforcement of electoral rules in the state.