The Kerala Congress (M) (KC(M)) on Friday formally reaffirmed its commitment to the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), dismissing circulating speculation that the party might return to the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The announcement came after a meeting of the party’s top steering committee in Kottayam, where leaders resolved to maintain their existing alliance.

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KC(M) Leadership Statement

KC(M) chairman and Rajya Sabha MP Jose K Mani addressed the media following the meeting, emphasizing the party’s continued loyalty to the LDF. “When KC(M) was pushed out of the UDF in 2020, LDF welcomed us with open arms. It was Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who extended attention and support. Changing coalitions was never an option. Recent speculations were fuelled from outside, but we have not changed our stand. We are not a party that shifts its position every five years,” Jose said.

The statement was intended to dispel rumours that KC(M) might reconsider its alliance with the LDF, especially following informal reports that Jose was engaging in backchannel discussions with Congress leaders to facilitate a return to the UDF.

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Background of the KC(M) Shift

KC(M) left the UDF in 2020 following the demise of KM Mani, the party’s former chairman and Jose K Mani’s father, and longstanding differences with the PJ Joseph-led faction of the Kerala Congress. The party’s departure from the UDF was largely influenced by internal disputes and strategic realignment in central Kerala.

Since joining the LDF, KC(M) has remained a key ally, particularly influencing voters among Catholic communities and farmers in central Kerala. The decision to stay with the LDF underscores the party’s preference for stability and alignment with an established coalition rather than re-entering the UDF amid internal party dynamics.

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Electoral Strategy and Seat Sharing

Jose K Mani also indicated that KC(M) would seek a larger share of Assembly seats within the LDF for the upcoming polls. In the 2021 Assembly elections, KC(M) contested 12 seats and secured five victories.

“This time, we hope to contest one or two more seats than in 2021. Discussions will be held within the LDF, and appropriate decisions will be made,” he said, signaling the party’s intent to strengthen its presence in the coalition.

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Internal Dynamics and Party Cohesion

While there were reports suggesting that Jose personally considered rejoining the UDF, sources within KC(M) indicated that a majority of the party’s five MLAs preferred to remain aligned with the LDF. Any attempt to return to the UDF against the MLAs’ wishes could potentially have led to a party split, a situation the leadership appears keen to avoid.

By publicly reaffirming its alliance with the LDF, KC(M) aims to project unity and stability, ensuring that voters in its strongholds see a consistent political message ahead of the elections.

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Significance for Kerala Politics

KC(M)’s decision is important for the LDF as the party strengthens its position in central Kerala, an area with a significant voter base among the Catholic community and farmers. By consolidating its alliance with KC(M), the LDF seeks to maintain its electoral advantage in these key constituencies.

The reaffirmation also sends a clear message to opposition parties, including the UDF and Congress, that KC(M) will not be a wildcard this election cycle, thereby stabilizing the political landscape ahead of the polls.

In essence, KC(M) has positioned itself as a steady ally of the LDF, aiming to negotiate a greater share of contestable seats while avoiding any internal rifts that could weaken its bargaining power or electoral performance.