Kollam: The Congress is facing a tough time in deciding its candidate in Karunagapally with three prominent leaders staking claim for it. The ‘I’ group has proposed the name of former municipal councillor M. Ansar but Youth Congress state vice-president C.R. Mahesh and INTUC leader R. Chandrasekharan are also canvassing for the seat. The Youth Congress has alleged that youngsters have been sidelined by the party.
The name of Mr Mahesh was in the priority list of the party but later Mr M. Ansar, who is also a former DCC office-bearer, surfaced. The ‘I’ group argues that Mr. Mahesh is a state leader who can opt for any seat across the state while Mr Ansar should be given Karunagappally as it is his stronghold.
Mr Ansar is the lone Muslim candidate for the party. The IUML had earlier demanded Karunagappally instead of Eravipuram which was rejected by the Congress. Mr Mahesh is a close associate of Mr Ramesh Chennithala while Mr Ansar is an ‘I’ group leader, which makes the selection tough for the ‘I’ group.
INTUC leader R. Chandrasekharan is also eyeing the seat though he wants Kottarakkara. The BDJS candidate is Mr V. Sadasivan, S.N. Trust director board member, and the LDF has fielded Mr R. Ramachandran, CPI district secretary.
