Senior Congress MLA K Babu steps down from electoral politics

Story by PTI | Posted by Vidushi Gaur | Date 19-02-2026

Senior Congress leader and Tripunithura MLA K Babu

Kochi

Senior Congress leader and Tripunithura MLA K Babu on Thursday announced that he will not contest the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, bringing his long electoral career to a close.

Addressing a press conference here, Babu said his decision to step away from electoral politics was based on personal reasons. He added that while the party leadership had urged him to contest once again, he had conveyed his firm decision not to enter the fray.

“I have informed the party leadership that I will not contest the election,” he said.

Reflecting on his political journey, Babu said he had contested seven Assembly elections since 1991 and emerged victorious in six of them. He credited both the Congress party and the people of Tripunithura for his political growth.

“In 1991, when Tripunithura was considered a stronghold of the CPI(M), the Congress reposed faith in me and fielded me from the constituency. The people of Tripunithura and the party made me what I am today,” he said.

Babu recalled that he began his legislative career in 1991 and faced defeat in the 2016 Assembly elections. However, he said sustained efforts and determination helped the Congress reclaim the seat in the 2021 polls.

During the 2011–16 United Democratic Front (UDF) government, Babu served as Kerala’s Ports Minister. He said several key initiatives related to the Vizhinjam International Seaport project were taken during his tenure. He also pointed to his role in initiating steps connected to the Kannur airport project and the development of Cochin International Airport Limited.

“I had been planning to make this announcement for several days but waited for clarity within the party. I sincerely thank everyone, especially the people of Tripunithura, who believed in democracy and placed their trust in me,” he said.

Responding to queries, Babu clarified that he has not suggested any name to the party leadership as his successor from the Tripunithura constituency for the upcoming Assembly elections.