Kottayam: Poonjar may prove to be tricky for the CPM as Mr PC. George, Kerala Congress (Secular) leader, is bent on avenging the humiliation meted out to him by the former. He claims the backing of a section of the local CPM leaders because the LDF is in power in certain panchayats with the help of the KC(S). The CPM is wary of Mr George’s plans and is moving cautiously.
It is a four-corned battle with Mr George facing Mr P.C. Joseph (KC-D) of the LDF, Georgekutty Augusthy of the KC(M) and Mr M.R. Ullas of the BDJS. It is also rumoured that the KC(M) has struck a deal with Mr George against the LDF candidate. Sensing the danger, the CPM leadership has reportedly deputed election observers to each of the panchayats from outside the district to monitor the electioneering in the constituency.
Mr George says that a section of CPM local committees had even passed resolutions asking the LDF to field him as its candidate. Moreover, the LDF is in power in Erattupetta municipality, Poonjar panchayat and the Poonjar Thekkekara panchayat with the support of Mr George’s party.
“Despite the LDF ditching him, he has not withdrawn his support to the LDF in these places aimed at the Assembly elections. The CPM leadership is doing everything to stem the erosion of votes from its camp,” said Mr P. Shanavas, who is in charge of the LDF election committee. Senior CPM leader from the district and Ettumanur candidate K. Suresh Kurup too admitted that the party had taken it as a prestige fight.
The LDF will bring its top leaders for the election campaign, including Opposition Leader V.S. Achuthanandan, politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan and state secretary Kodiyeri Blakrishnan. VS will address a meeting at Mundakkayam on April 29.
