THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM may have fielded former AICC member Philipose Thomas with an eye on the Congress votes in Pathanamthitta constituency but the traditional supporters of the Left are not quite convinced about his candidature.
The CPM leadership is trying hard to convince its cadres to make them fall in line with the decision. The party feels that the candidate’s Congress tag would only help the LDF as a huge section of workers are annoyed with sitting MP Anto Antony for his over all failure.
Even Philipose Thomas has refrained from attacking the Congress. ''I am not opposing the Congress as a party but leaders who have taken various anti people decisions,’’ he said the other day.
The LDF is also trying to send across a message to its cadre that a sizeable section of Christians will back them as the candidate enjoys a good rapport with the Church and various Christian denominations.
Meanwhile, Philipose Thomas has also raised the pitch over the controversial Aranmula project to woo the traditional Left supporters. “The airport is being brought here at the behest of big business groups,'' he pointed out.
When contacted, CPM Pathanamthitta district secretary K. Ananthago-pan said; “Philipose Thomas has huge influence among local Congr-essmen and we are hopeful of getting their votes. Moreover, he will make our party more acceptable among the minorities.’’ The LDF believes that the twin strategy of wooing Congressmen and Christian community will ensure the victory of Philipose Thomas.
But Anto Antony MP says the Congressmen are going to teach him a lesson for his “opportunism”. Accordoing to him, the development activities carried out by him in the constituency will help secure peoples mandate and retain the seat.
