KANNUR: The shock defeat of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in its sitting seat of Nilambur has sent tremors through the coalition, with a major cabinet reshuffle now appearing imminent to counter rising anti-incumbency sentiment.
Top leaders of the LDF, including CPM State Secretary M.V. Govindan and CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam, have indirectly admitted that anti-government feelings contributed to the defeat of their candidate, M. Swaraj. Both have stated that “corrections” will be made, signaling significant changes in the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government. A final decision on the reshuffle is expected after an LDF meeting to formally analyze the election debacle.
Forest Minister in the Firing Line
The Forest Department, led by minister A.K. Saseendran, has faced the most severe criticism, not just from the opposition but also from within the LDF coalition itself. Both the CPI and Kerala Congress (M) have previously expressed dissatisfaction with the minister’s performance.
The vote drain for the LDF in the hilly regions of the Nilambur constituency is being directly attributed to the unpopular policies of the Forest Department. Consequently, there is a strong possibility that Saseendran will be removed from the post. The crucial portfolio may either be taken over by the CPM or be given to its key ally, the Kerala Congress (M).
Demand for K.K. Shailaja’s Return Grows Louder
Within the CPM, the defeat has revived the demand to bring popular senior leader and former Health Minister, K.K. Shailaja, back into the cabinet. One formula being discussed is to appoint Shailaja as the Speaker of the Assembly, which would allow the current Speaker, A.N. Shamseer, to be given a ministerial berth.
LDF Allies at Odds
The by-election loss has also brought the friction between the LDF’s two main partners, the CPM and CPI, to the forefront. The CPI has long been aggrieved that the Finance Department, held by the CPM, has been blocking many key agricultural projects.
The CPI now plans to use the Nilambur defeat as leverage in the next LDF meeting to push its agenda, arguing that “development alone is not enough, welfare schemes must also be implemented” to win back public trust. The Nilambur result has served as a powerful wake-up call, forcing the ruling front to address internal dissent and public discontent head-on.
