K Muraleedharan’s campaign picks up in spite of Vadakara indecision

Thiruvananthapuram: Congress strongman K. Muraleedharan, who took over the reins of the battle against CPM’s P. Jayarajan in Vadakara, has been hamstrung by the indecision over party president Rahul Gandhi’s candidature in Wayanad. Though the party has not officially named the candidate in the Lok Sabha constituency, Mr Murale-edharan is banking on the nod received from the AICC.

He was earlier keen on fighting from Wayanad as he was NCP candidate from there in 2009 and came third behind M.I. Shanavas of the Congress and CPI’s M. Rahmatullah by bagging over 1 lakh votes, mainly of the Congress supporters.

Following the tug of war over Wayanad this time and the pressure for a strong candidate as demanded by the RMP, Mr Muraleedharan was fielded from Vadakara.

“The rivals have taken advantage of the Congress indecision on the two seats. But Muraleedharan has created ripples in the constituency with his gift of the gab and popularity,” said a senior Congress leader. KPCC president Mullapally Ramachandran, the sitting MP, will campaign for Muraleedharan after the confusion over Rahul is cleared.

The RMP workers have also invigorated the campaign. “The AICC will announce the candidates of the two seats together,” said another Congress leader.