THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM state committee member T.K. Hamza is the front runner to take on Muslim League strongman P.K. Kunhalikutty in Malappuram bypoll to be held on April 12. The CPM secretariat meeting held here at AKG Centre discussed the names of probable candidates for the Lok Sabha bypoll. Apart from Hamza, the names of Malappuram district panchayat member T.K. Rasheed Ali and DYFI district president M.B. Faizal also came up for discussions at the secretariat meet. Majority of the secretariat members were of the opinion that the LDF should field a strong candidate to take on a top league leader like Kunhalikutty. At the moment Hamza who is one of the senior most leaders in Malappuram district fits the bill.
The 79-year-old leader has vast experience behind him. He represented the Manjeri Lok Sabha constituency between 2004-2009, was MLA for four times besides being a minister and chief whip. However, the veteran has not given any hint about contesting the polls mainly due to health problems. Those close to him fear that the summer heat and strenuous campaign could take a heavy toll on his health. The CPM state leadership, however, is hopeful of persuading him to enter the electoral battle. The secretariat also discussed Rasheed Ali’s name who lost Manakada Assembly constituency in 2016 polls by a slender margin of 1508 votes.
Among the young faces being considered by the party are DYFI district president M.B. Faizal and SFI national president V.P. Sanu. The names of DYFI national president P.A. Mohammed Riaz and cine director Kamal were also discussed initially. The noted director ruled out the possibility of entering the electoral battle. The final decision on the candidate will be taken by Malappuram district committee meeting to be held on Saturday in the presence of Kodiyeri Balakrishnnan. After making the choice, the decision will be conveyed to available secretariat which will give the green signal to announce the candidate. The LDF is also planning to hold its constituency level convention on Saturday to formally launch its electoral campaign.
