. T’puram/ Kochi: CPM on Sunday announced it will contest 86 assembly seats in Kerala and named 81 candidates, including six CPM-backed Independents and 10 women. Soon after, many CPM candidates took to the streets, organised rallies, and began campaigning on Sunday itself. CPM state secretary, M V Govindan, said that of the 86 candidates, 75 will be from the party. Independent candidates in five constituencies – Koduvally, Kottakkal, Palakkad, Kondotty, and Tirur – will be named later, he added. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan will contest from Dharmadom. Eleven of his cabinet colleagues and 54 sitting MLAs will also contest again. Govindan also said the candidate for Thiruvananthapuram central will be decided after the court gives its verdict on the case against MLA Antony Raju on Monday. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: ‘All oil and energy infrastructure will turn to ashes,’ says Iran after US hits Kharg Island’I’m what?’ Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu mocks death rumours, shows off five fingers – watch’Must take care’: Trump urges nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz as conflict with Iran intensifiesParty-backed Independent T Ashok Kumar will contest from Mahe in Puducherry. He said LDF is confident of retaining officer for the third consecutive time, as this is crucial to build a Nava Keralam and oppose communal forces. However, opposition Congress’ V D Satheesan on Sunday claimed that UDF will form a govt in the state. He said UDF’s full list of candidates will be released on Monday. The selection of candidates is focused on winnability, he told a press conference in Kochi. “Team UDF is approaching the elections with confidence and hope. The front will return to power in Kerala with over 100 seats,” Satheesan said. He predicted the success of UDF’s ‘Mission 26’, saying that ‘Mission 25’ has already secured four corporations and seven district panchayats, with two more within reach. Though the CPM is trying to project a narrative that its MLAs are popular, individual popularity does not determine electoral success; political circumstances do, Satheesan said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDiscussed Ways To Fast-Track EU FTA With S Jaishankar: Piyush GoyalIndian Vessel ‘Jag Laadki’ Escapes Unhurt After Attack At Fujairah Oil TerminalSTF Arrests Man Who Helped Bangladeshi Murder Suspects Sneak Into India After Dhaka KillingRahul Gandhi Writes To PM Modi, Demands Bharat Ratna For BSP Founder Kanshi RamTMC MP Mahua Moitra Accuses BJP Workers Of Bringing -Jungle Raj- To West Bengal‘Chai-Pakora At Parl Door’: Amit Shah Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi Over LPG Protest, AI Summit Row7 Indian Pilgrims Killed, Several Injured After Bus Slips Off Mountain Road In NepalInfiltration Bid Foiled In J&K: Pakistani Terrorist Killed In Army-Police Joint Operation In Uri‘Because I Am Brahmin…’: Mani Shankar Aiyar Slams BJP, Clarifies ‘Neech Aadmi’ Comment On PM Modi‘Act Of Aggression’: India Strongly Condemns Pakistan’s Air Strikes On Afghanistan123PhotostoriesStomach feels tight after a normal meal? Gastroenterologists explain why digestion can slow down and share simple habits that help ease post-meal bloating7 summer foods Indians traditionally ate to beat the heatAmerican TV sitcoms to watch with friends: ‘Friends’, ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ and more10 benefits of eating soaked almonds daily: Dietitians explain how this simple morning habit supports brain, heart and digestive healthSara Tendulkar steps out with new bhabhi Saaniya Chandhok after Arjun Tendulkar’s wedding; their saree looks steal the spotlightThe best romantic comedies on TV: ‘Bhakarwadi’, ‘Anandibaa aur Emily’ and more6 foods that may cause bloating if eaten too often7 architectural features that increase natural light in housesPriyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Rashmika Mandanna: Pan-Indian actresses who conquered multiple film industries10 ways Kathal or Jackfruit is prepared across India123Hot PicksIran war newsLPG crisis in IndiaElection CommissionGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingSanju SamsonBrittany Mahomes Net WorthWilt ChamberlainMovsar EvloevMichael BispingLPG Crisis IndiaAssembly election dateIran US WarIPL 2026 Chennai Super KingsMiddle East War
T’puram/ Kochi: CPM on Sunday announced it will contest 86 assembly seats in Kerala and named 81 candidates, including six CPM-backed Independents and 10 women. Soon after, many CPM candidates took to the streets, organised rallies, and began campaigning on Sunday itself. CPM state secretary, M V Govindan, said that of the 86 candidates, 75 will be from the party. Independent candidates in five constituencies – Koduvally, Kottakkal, Palakkad, Kondotty, and Tirur – will be named later, he added. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan will contest from Dharmadom. Eleven of his cabinet colleagues and 54 sitting MLAs will also contest again. Govindan also said the candidate for Thiruvananthapuram central will be decided after the court gives its verdict on the case against MLA Antony Raju on Monday. Party-backed Independent T Ashok Kumar will contest from Mahe in Puducherry. He said LDF is confident of retaining officer for the third consecutive time, as this is crucial to build a Nava Keralam and oppose communal forces. However, opposition Congress’ V D Satheesan on Sunday claimed that UDF will form a govt in the state. He said UDF’s full list of candidates will be released on Monday. The selection of candidates is focused on winnability, he told a press conference in Kochi. “Team UDF is approaching the elections with confidence and hope. The front will return to power in Kerala with over 100 seats,” Satheesan said. He predicted the success of UDF’s ‘Mission 26’, saying that ‘Mission 25’ has already secured four corporations and seven district panchayats, with two more within reach. Though the CPM is trying to project a narrative that its MLAs are popular, individual popularity does not determine electoral success; political circumstances do, Satheesan said.
