RS by-polls: Mani C Kappan's decision is crucial for the LDF

As Congress leader Vayalar Ravi, CPM’s K.K. Ragesh and P V Abdul Wahab from the Indian Union of Muslim League have finished their terms, by-elections are soon be conducted in the State to these vacant seats in the Rajya Sabha.

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): Even as the run-up to the Assembly elections in the State gains momentum in Kerala, the stage is getting set for the Rajyasabha by-elections too.

As the Congress leader Vayalar Ravi, CPM’s K.K. Ragesh and P V Abdul Wahab from the Indian Union of Muslim League, have completed their terms with the Rajyasabha and retired, a by-election is soon be conducted in the State to these vacant seats in the Rajya Sabha. The Election Commission of India is to soon notify Rajya Sabha By-elections.

Of the three Rajya Sabha members whose term is over, two are from the UDF and one is from the LDF. However, two members can be elected from the LDF considering its present strength in the State Assembly. The UDF would have only one candidate.

Though both the fronts are yet to start discussions on candidate selection, the CPM might be willing to allocate one of the two seats to their allies in the LDF. Within the CPM, there is an opinion that the NCP can be allocated the Rajya Sabha seat instead of the Pala Assembly seat which would be allotted to Jose K Mani. However, Mani C Kappan, NCP leader, has not fully agreed to this equation so far. In that case, the CPM might contest in both the Rajya Sabha seats.

Generally, there is an opinion that the presence of Left parties in the Parliament must be strengthened. The CPM would consider another candidate in the place of K.K. Ragesh, who has completed his term in the upper house, only if Ragesh is fielded in the Assembly elections. The CPM feels that K.K. Ragesh’s presence has helped in energising the farmers' protests on a great level. So the CPM might utilise Ragesh’s presence in the Parliament once again.

Though the Muslim League makes claims over the vacant UDF seat, Congress is likely to take the seat. Ghulam Nabi Azad, who has retired as the Opposition Leader in the Rajya Sabha after serving his term, may be considered from Kerala, it is being hinted. The Congress High Command is to take a final decision on fielding Ghulam Nabi Azad from Kerala.

Though there is another vacant seat as Jose K Mani had resigned, election to that post is not likely to take place any soon. Other Rajya Sabha members from Kerala are A K Antony, Elamaram Kareem, M V Shreyams Kumar, K Soma Prasad and Binoy Vishwam. Nine members represent Kerala in the Rajya Sabha.

Read: Is a 'backdoor' exit awaiting LDF in Kerala?