The CPI(M) State secretariat here on Tuesday is reported to have reached a broad understanding on giving yet another chance to four sitting MPs and field three MLAs in the coming Lok Sabha elections.
The secretariat is learnt to have reached an understanding to give one more chance to A. Sampath (Attingal), P.K. Sreemathy (Kannur), P.K. Biju (Alathur), and M.B. Rajesh (Palakkad). The secretariat is learnt to have considered Ranni MLA Raju Abraham for the Pathanmthitta Lok Sabha segment, Aroor MLA A.M. Arif for Alappuzha, and Kozhikode North MLA A. Pradeep for Kozhikode.
The name of P.K. Harikumar is reported to have been considered for Kottayam. No decision has been made regarding the candidate for Ernakulam, but the names of P. Rajeev and former MLA Saju Paul are being considered for Chalakudy. Incumbent actor Innocent had expressed his desire to opt out of the race, but his candidature may be considered for Ernakulam, sources said.
The secretariat considered the candidature of Democratic Youth Federation of India president P.A. Mohammed Riyaz for the Kozhikode and Vadakara segments and P. Sathidevi for Vadakara. Incumbent P. Karunakaran would have to opt out of the race in Kasaragod and is likely to be substituted by former MLA K.P. Satheesh Chandran. Students’ Federation of India nation president V.P. Sanu may be fielded in Malappuram.
Allies’ demand
The Janata Dal (S) has staked claim to either the Kottayam or Ernakulam seat, but the CPI(M) is unlikely to heed the demand. The secretariat is reported to have insisted that the party take over the Kottayam seat too. The CPI(M) would only ignore the claims staked by yet another constituent, the Nationalist Congress Party. Winnability being the sole criterion and the imperative being to win maximum number of seats from the State, the party could ill-afford to entertain such demands and would not be considered, sources said.
These proposals would be discussed and cleared by the State committee in concurrence with the Central leadership, sources said.
