THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The passions let loose over the Sabarimala issue may sweep away Mr Anto Antony, sitting Congress MP, from the Pathanamthitta seat where the BJP intends to mount an all-out war to wrest it.
The Congress initially thought of fielding a Hindu leader K. Sivadasan Nair, former Aranmula MLA, but after second thoughts it has decided to put up a Christian. But the local DCC leadership does not favour Mr Anto Antony, 61.
At a recent meeting of DCC presidents and Lok Sabha in-charges held at Indira Bhavan here, Pathanamthitta DCC president Babu George and LS in-charge Sivadasan Nair expressed their opposition to Mr Anto Antony, who hails from Poonjar in Kottayam district.
The DCC has urged the AICC to field a candidate from the home district itself.
“Ever since the district was formed in 1982, the Congress has never considered a leader from within the district in plum posts. We have been given a raw deal and were not accommodated in boards/corporations and also in the KPCC as general secretary and vice- president,” said a senior Congress leader.
Pathanamthitta constituency comprises seven Assembly segments.
“Konni is the only Congress seat in Pathanamthitta district. This time, it will be a do-or-die battle for all the parties. There are no minus points against Anto Antony, but it depends on who will be the candidates in Idukki and Kottayam,” said a senior Congress MLA.
