Kochi: The Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala is gearing up for a big electoral battle to capture the Thrikkakkara Assembly seat in Ernakulam district which fell vacant following the sudden demise of senior Congress leader PT Thomas.
Incidentally, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has won all three elections held after the constituency was formed.
The LDF, headed by the CPM, is reportedly considering a Christian candidate for the Thrikkakkara by-election in view of the local demographics.
Among the names actively discussed is Rekha Thomas, daughter of veteran Congress leader K V Thomas who is facing disciplinary action in the party.
As K V Thomas had made an attempt to field Rekha during the 2021 Assembly election, the CPM believes it would not be difficult to convince her to contest the Thrikkakkara bypoll.
Incidentally, the CPM had taken its loss in the seat during the 2021 Assembly elections seriously and initiated disciplinary against a district secretariat member.
In view of this development, some CPM leaders have demanded a strong candidate who contests on the party symbol.
Though they suggested the name of M Swaraj, the former MLA refused the offer.
Meanwhile, KS Arun Kumar, a state committee member of DYFI - the youth wing of CPM - had been instructed by the party to engage in work in the constituency.