Kozhikode: The LDF is searching for strong candidates in Wayanad and Kozhikode Lok Sabha constituencies which are considered as UDF bastions. The popular leaders of LDF are not ready to fight a losing battle in Wayanad while UDF leaders are queuing up to get a ticket.
Kozhikode sitting MP M.K. Raghavan of the Congress has already held interaction sessions with voters, party workers and key families. But the LDF will not write off this seat even before the battle. The CPM has been considering many leaders, including DYFI national president K.P. Muhammed Riyaz, All- India Kissan Sabha (AIKS) national treasurer P. Krishnaprasad and A. Pradeepkumar MLA, for the constituency.
Muhammed Riyaz tops the chart as the LDF hopes to attract young as well as minority votes. He is close to the Pinarayi faction while Krishnaprasad has kept aloof from intra-party squabbles for the last many years. He has been working at the centre coordinating farmers’ agitations as leader of AIKS.
Many top Congress leaders are eyeing Wayanad, including M.M. Hassan, Shanimol Usman, Kozhikode DCC president T. Siddique and Malap-puram DCC president V.V. Prakash.
The constituency, which was formed in 2009, sent M.I. Shanawas to the Lok Sabha then and in 2014 though there was much protest against his style of functioning. Spread over three districts, Wayanad, Kozhikode and Malappuram, the constituency has seven legislative seats — Thiruvambadi, Ernad, Nilambur, Wandoor, Sulthan Bathery, Kalpetta and Mananthavadi. Wan-door, Ernad and
Nilambur are known UDF bastions.
CPI leader Sathyan Mokeri, who was the LDF candidate last time, may be fielded this time too though CPI state committee member P.P. Suneer from Malappuram is also in the list. LDF circles feel that Suneer will be a able to win minority votes.
