Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant move ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) has announced popular actor and cultural activist Sudhir Karamana as its independent candidate for the Thiruvananthapuram Central constituency.
The announcement was made recently, following which Sudhir Karamana visited the AKG Centre to meet with senior CPI(M) leaders.
Why the Change?
The decision to field Sudhir Karamana comes after the sitting MLA, Antony Raju, was disqualified from contesting due to a court verdict in a long-standing “evidence tampering” case. While Thiruvananthapuram Central is a seat typically allocated to the Democratic Kerala Congress (an LDF ally), the party was unable to propose a candidate with high winning potential. Consequently, the CPI(M) leadership intervened to field Sudhir Karamana as a strategic choice to retain the seat.
Sudhir Karamana’s Reaction
Expressing his happiness over the nomination, Sudhir Karamana stated that he views this candidacy as an opportunity to serve the community.
“I was born and raised in Thiruvananthapuram, and I know every corner of this city. I don’t see anyone here as a stranger,” he said. He further emphasized that while he is an actor and a teacher, politics is a different realm focused on social service. He expressed confidence that the LDF would retain the sitting seat.
The Electoral Battle
The contest in Thiruvananthapuram Central is shaping up to be a high-profile three-way battle:
- LDF: Sudhir Karamana (Independent)
- UDF: C.P. John (CMP)
- NDA: Karamana Jayan (BJP) is reportedly under consideration, though a final announcement is awaited.
If Karamana Jayan is finalized as the BJP candidate, the constituency will witness a fierce competition between well-known local faces.
