KOTTAYAM: P.C. George’s dream of contesting in the Poonjar seat as an LDF-backed independent has suffered a setback with the entry of the Democratic Kerala Congress in the front with the backing of the Church.
Mr George is still continuing his manoeuvres though the Church has assured support to the KC (D) if the LDF does not field former Kanjirapally MLA George J. Mathew, who has not yet resigned his AICC membership. The farmers’ consortium had initially forwarded Mr Mathew’s name for Poonjar.
Church sources told DC that they will either support Mr George J. Mathew or the KC(D). Crucially, on Tuesday, disappointing George, CPI (M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan who has been spearheading the demand that Mr George be given the seat had openly stated that no assurance has been given to George.
Mr George has indeed suffered a blow with various developments, including the split in his own Kerala Congress (secular) led by the former speaker T.S. John and the opposition of the Kanjirapally diocese.
The local CPM leadership has demanded that former district secretary K.J. Thomas should be fielded in Poonjar on the party symbol. CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Pinarayi Viajayan and (LDF) convenor Vaikom Viswan are also equally opposed to his candidature.
However, district secretary and state committee member VN Vasavan reportedly stood firmly for George in the state committee meeting by saying that George’s candidature will help the party in the region. LDF sources told DC that Kanjirapally diocese was against the LDF supporting Mr George.
“The LDF hopes to get Church support in some other constituencies in the district also whereas Mr George cannot extend such help,” a source said. Posters have already appeared in Poonjar against his candidature as LDF independent.
However, Mr George has some advantages like support from the CPM district committee his rapport with the public in the constituency and the LDF’s hope of using him against the UDF in times of crises.
