Rebellion Erupts Across UDF as Allies Field Candidates Against Congress in Over 15 Wards in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress is in deep trouble as rebellions surge both from within the party and from its alliance partners. In more than 15 wards across Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala Congress (Joseph faction) has fielded candidates against Congress nominees. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), RSP, and CMP have also put up candidates in several wards, directly challenging Congress candidates and intensifying internal turmoil within the UDF.

In Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Joseph faction candidates are contesting in five wards against Congress — Vijayamurthy in Vanchiyoor, Baby Perera in Port, Nirmala Thomas in Palayam, A.M. Hussain in Kazhakuttam, and Thekkeveedu Sujith in Sainik School ward. Additionally, the Joseph group has fielded candidates in one division of Parassala Block Panchayat and in one ward each of Vellanad, Vithura, Kalliyoor, Parassala, Kadinamkulam, Kanjiramkulam, and Amboori panchayats.

In Nedumangad Municipality, the IUML has put up candidates in three wards against Congress. In Market Ward, IUML has fielded S.S. Fathima against sitting councillor and Congress leader Fathima. In Arashuparambu, IUML leader Thoravattal Sabu is contesting against Congress leader Noushad Khan. In Paramputhur, IUML’s Pulippara Yusuf is taking on Congress youth leader Afsal.

In Attingal Municipality, RSP candidates are contesting in Town and Valiyakunnu wards. CMP has fielded a candidate in Ward 1 of Venganoor Panchayat against Congress.

RSP fields six candidates against Congress in Kuttichal

Angered by the Congress’s unilateral candidate selection, UDF witnessed a major rupture in Kuttichal. RSP has fielded its own candidates in six wards—Elimala, Kalliyal, Thachankodu, Melemukku, Paruthipalli, and High School wards—using the party symbol.

The situation has become so chaotic that in Kalliyal ward, the UDF Panchayat Committee Chairman (a Congress nominee) and the UDF Convener (an RSP nominee) are contesting against each other, preventing even basic committee meetings from being held.

Despite intervention from the RSP state secretary and UDF district leadership, the Congress leadership in Kuttichal refused to compromise, forcing RSP to go ahead independently.

Infighting within the Congress over seat allocation remains unresolved. During the Congress core committee meeting held to finalise candidates, heated arguments reportedly broke out among leaders. In Office Ward, a Congress rebel candidate has entered the fray, adding to the party’s woes.