The move is seen as a deviation from the party's usual practice of granting a second term to leaders who have already won an election. Instead, the party is expected to field Geetha Gopi, who has previously contested and won twice from the same constituency.

Party insiders say the decision is linked to internal alignments within the CPI unit in Thrissur district, where factional dynamics are believed to have influenced the candidate selection.

Sources close to Mukundan said he is considering leaving the party and contesting the upcoming election as an independent candidate in protest. His dissatisfaction has also drawn the attention of leaders from the Indian National Congress, who are assessing the political implications and the possibility of gaining an advantage in the constituency.

Also Read| Mood of the State survey: How voters assess their MLAs in these 35 key seats

According to political sources, a senior Congress leader from the state recently contacted Mukundan by phone, and some district-level leaders later met him in person. Mukundan is understood to have responded that he would inform his party after the official announcement regarding the new candidate and the denial of his candidature.

Congress leaders believe Mukundan, who is known for his simple lifestyle and clean public image, has a strong chance of winning the constituency even if he contests as an independent.

Mukundan's relationship with sections of the CPI district leadership had earlier turned strained after he complained that a secretary appointed by the party during his tenure as MLA had allegedly misused official letter pads and signatures without his knowledge. Mukundan kept his distance from the party leadership until the secretary was replaced and openly expressed his dissatisfaction in public.

Following the dispute, a section of the district leadership reportedly opposed giving him a second term.

Mukundan's modest living conditions - including residing in a mortgaged and leaking house - and the publication of a book describing the hardships of his childhood have further enhanced his image among voters.

Also read| Mood of the State survey: 34.62% rate Pinarayi Vijayan excellent; strong support in Northern Kerala

A development supplement detailing the achievements in the constituency during his tenure was also released recently. These factors have strengthened Mukundan's popularity, prompting the Congress to explore the possibility of supporting him, particularly if he decides to contest the election as an independent candidate.