Image for illustration only | Photo credit: KK Mustafah
The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) on Thursday (March 26, 2026) withdrew its candidate from the Manjeswaram Assembly constituency in Kerala, a move seen as a relief to the United Democratic Front (UDF) amid fears of vote-splitting.
The decision was taken at a meeting held in Uppala under the chairmanship of SDPI state president CP Abdul Latheef. The party has asked its candidate KM Ashraf, who had filed his nomination earlier, to withdraw from the contest.
The move comes days after criticism that SDPI’s presence in the fray could split votes and indirectly help the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
KM Ashraf was declared the SDPI candidate on the last day for filing nominations. However, political circles, especially within the UDF, expressed concern that another candidate with a similar name to the UDF candidate, AKM Ashraf of the Indian Union Muslim League, could lead to voter confusion and split votes.
Manjeswaram has long been considered a bastion where the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has consistently emerged as a key contender, often finishing second. The BJP reportedly considers the constituency a high-priority seat. In this context, SDPI’s candidature has drawn criticism even from within sections of the party, with fears that it may inadvertently benefit the NDA.
After internal deliberations and signals from the state leadership that a withdrawal might be considered, the party reached a consensus to withdraw from the race.
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However, the decision reportedly drew sharp disapproval from KM Ashraf. He showed strong dissatisfaction, walked out of the meeting shortly after it began, and indicated that he would resign from all party positions. He later told the media that he was unhappy with the directive and went to the Collector to withdraw his nomination.
Published – 26 March 2026 14:55 IST
