Thiruvananthapuram: While majority of sitting MPs of CPM barring P. Karunakaran, are set to be retained for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, the party is also keen on fielding nearly half a dozen MLAs to wrest the seats currently held by UDF .
The two-day secretariat meeting which began at AKG Centre discussed each constituency and probable candidates. The secretariat has come to an understanding to retain sitting MPs P.K. Sreem-athy from Kannur, M.B. Rajesh - Palakkad, P.K. Biju - Alathur, Joice Geo-rge - Idukki, A Sampath - Attingal and actor Innocent - Chalakudy.
Earlier there were repo-rts that Innocent may be shifted from Chalakduy to Ernakulam. However, the party is now planning to field P. Rajeev from Ernakulam. Former Speaker K. Radhakrishnan’s name was also discussed for Alathur. Another significant dec-ision at the secretariat was to take Kottayam seat from Janata Dal (S). Though JD(S) is not averse to swapping Kottayam with any other constituency, it is not willing to give up the seat. Talks are going on betw-een the CPM and JD(S) le-aders to sort out the issue.
The secretariat is also considering sitting MLAs for wresting the seats currently held by UDF. A.M. Arif is being considered for Alappuzha, A. Prad-eep Kumar – Kozhikode, Raju Abraham –Pathana-mthitta, Suresh Kurup – Kottayam. However, latest reports suggest that Dr Sindhumol Jacob might be fielded from Kottayam.
K.N. Balagopal is almost certain from Kollam and K.P. Satheesh Chandran is front runner from Kasargod. DYFI national Mohammad Riyaz – Vadakara along with P. Sathi Devi and SFI national president V.P. Sanu – Malappuram. The CPM is also exploring the possibility of fielding par-ty supported independent candidates from Malappu-ram and Ponnani.
The list of candidates discussed by secretariat will be taken up by par-ty’s parliamentary constituency committees on Wednesday. Subsequently the secretariat is expected to prepare the list of candidates to be placed bef-ore the state committee beginning on Thursday. By Friday the CPM is exp-ected to formally annou-nce its candidates after getting approval from the party central committee.
Meanwhile, the LDF state leadership will meet on Friday to sort out the bilateral issues concerning two seats. JD(S) claim on Kottayam and Lokta-ntrik Janta Dal’s demand for either Vadagara or Kozhikode will be discussed in LDF meeting.
