THIRUVANANTHAPRUAM: With the CPM state leadership meet on February 24 to begin initial discussions on Assembly poll preparations including potential candidates, indications are that many top leaders of the party would be in the fray this time.
Of the 15-member secretariat, Pinarayi Vijayan, E. P. Jayarajan, T. M. Thomas Isaac, A. K. Balan, M. V. Govindan, Elamaram Kareem, Baby John and Anathalavattom Anandan are likely to contest. Sources said in the event of central leadership refusing to allow more than 50 per cent of secretariat members citing organisational reasons, a couple of members might opt out.
Mr Vijayan is likely to seek mandate from Dharmadom, currently represented by K. K. Narayanan. The party though is keeping its fingers crossed on outcome of SNC Lavalin case which the High Court is scheduled to hear later this month.
Observers are also closely looking at V. S. Achuthanandan, who, at 94, has given ample indications of being battle-ready. E. P. Jayarajan (Mattannur), A. K. Balan (Tarur), Dr Thomas Isaac (Alappuzha) are likely to be retained. Elamaram Kareem (Beypore) could be relieved. CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan will make way for young candidate from Thalassery. M. V. Govindan might be considered for Payyanur.
Given the recent resignations of Karayi Rajan, as district panchayat president and Karayi Chandrashekharan, as Thalassery municipal chairman respectively, the leadership might think twice before fielding P. Jayarajan who is currently in the custody of CBI in connection with Kathirur Manoj murder case.
Idukki district secretary K. K. Jayachandran who represents Udunbanchola is likely to concentrate on organisational work, making way for M. M. Mony. T. P. Ramakrishnan is also being considered from one of the seats in Kozhikode.
