ALAPPUZHA: Though the CPM’s declared policy is to deny tickets to three-time MLAs to contest in the coming Assembly elections, it may have to make an exception in the cases of Dr Thomas Isaac and Mr G. Sudhakaran, who are popular mass leaders.
The CPM holds six sitting seats out of nine in Alappuzha. Mr Sudhakaran has fought seven Assembly elections and won thrice. Dr Thomas Isaac has also won thrice consecutively from Mararikulam.
Dr Isaac had a good track record as finance minister and implemented novel programmes like garbage management, library school and organic farming. Mr Sudhakaran remains unchallenged in his constituency, Ambalappuzha.
Mr C. K. Sadasivan, who was elected twice from Kayamkulam and once from Kuttanad, is considered as a ‘man of delivery.’ Since he is a known Achuthanandan loyalist, his chances are bleak this time. Sources say the party is considering new faces from the Muslim community for the Kayamkulam constituency.
A. M. Arif, who has won twice from Aroor, is eying another chance. The CPM district unit, which is at loggerheads with two-time Kuttanad MLA Thomas Chandy of the NCP, wants to get back the seat. However, Mr Chandy has already declared his candidature from Kuttand.
A CPM leader said the party would stake claim to both Cherthala (CPI) and Kuttanad (NCP) seats. The CPI has two seats in the district (Cherthala and Haripad). It is keen on getting Chengannur from where CPM district secretary Saji Cheriyan had lost to Mr P.C. Vishnunath of the Congress last time.
