The strategy of fielding serving MLAs in the Lok Sabha polls is being worked out again in Kerala this time in a bid to cash in on their image of “winnable candidates” among voters.
There are four MLAs, including a Minister, on the candidate list announced by the CPI(M). They are V. Joy (Varkala), M. Mukesh (Kollam), Minister for Devaswom K. Radhakrishnan (Chelakkara) and K.K. Shailaja (Mattannur). While Mr. Joy is contesting the polls in Attingal, Mr. Mukesh is the candidate from Kollam, Mr. Radhakrishnan is fighting the election in Alathur and Ms. Shailaja has been deployed in Vadakara.
Political analysts are of the view that their candidature also reflects the CPI(M)‘s attempt to overcome the perceived anti-incumbency feeling among voters against the second Left Democratic Front (LDF) Ministry led by Pinarayi Vijayan.
