Karunagapally a tough nut for Congress

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.