Kochi: Sebastian Paul, the eternal independent candidate of the CPM in Ernakulam, has finally opted for the hammer and sickle, the symbol of CPM in the coming assembly elections. The decision of Mr. Paul was mainly due to the reason that ‘television’ his favourite symbol has been allocated to Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI).
Mr. Paul, contesting as an independent LDF candidate for the past two decades, has been willing to contest in party symbol. “Now everybody knows that he is a leftist and there is nothing to hide. So he is more than willing to contest in the famed hammer and sickle of the CPM”, said a supporter of him.
The decision was also prompted by the delay in getting the symbol for the independent from the Election Commission. The symbols for independent candidates will be allocated only by May 1. To mount campaign without a symbol till then will not be wise, according to the poll managers of Mr. Paul. Congress leader PT Thomas is the main rival of Mr. Paul contesting from Thrikkakkara.
