THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With RSP announcing the candidature of sitting MP N.K. Premachandran from Kollam Lok Sabha constituency, serious discussions have begun within CPM and LDF to field a formidable candidate. K.N. Balagopal who was elevated from the post of Kollam district secretary to state secretariat, is the front runner.
Political observers believe that Balagopal’s candidature will be useful in neutralizing the strident anti-CPM stance of NSS in Sabarimala issue besides splitting Nair votes in the constituency.
CPM district secretary S Sudevan said the candidate will be finalised after declaration of polls. He claimed the ground situation was favourable for LDF. “We won 7 assembly constituencies falling in the Lok Sabha segment and have a lead of 1.70 lakh votes. Of the 68 grama panchayts we rule 61, all 11 block panchayats, Kollam corporation, Karunagapally, Paravur, Punalur and Kottarakara municipalities. Of the 26 district panchayt seats, LDF has 22,”he said.
Though the CPM is cautious about Sabarimala issue, it is confident LDF Government’s stand on equal rights for men and women would triumph ultimately.
Sudevan said the CPM was not worried about NSS stand on Sabarimala issue. “Com-munity organisations ta-ke such positions. These organisations constitute of workers and leaders of various political parties and they take political stand when required,” said Mr Sudevan.
The Left camp is hopeful of garnering minority votes because of its uncompromising stand against the Sangh Parivar. Besides, it believes that the campaign on upholding Renaissance values will help in turning OBC and Dalit votes in its favour.
The UDF is confident of pulling off a victory on the strength of sitting MP N.K. Premachandran’s performance and popularity. Besides, it believes that people of Kerala will vote for an alternative government led by Rahul Gandhi.
But many say BJP candidate will also play a role in determining the outcome. In 2014 the party had fielded weak candidate in P.M. Velayu-dhan which worked in favour of Premachan-dran. In case of BJP putting up a heavy weight, things could get difficult for UDF.
