KOTTAYAM: CPI (M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday told LDF workers in Poonjar, which is witnessing a fierce multi-cornered contest, not to take chances and work hard for the victory of the LDF candidate P.C. Joseph. Fielded by Kerala Congress Democratic, he is pitted against UDF's Kerala Congress (M) candidate Georgekutty Augusthy and Kerala Congress Secular leader P.C. George here.
M.R. Ullas of the BDJS also in the fray as the NDA candidate. Mr Vijayan's visit follows reports from his party observers that LDF was lagging behind others in the campaigning and that some of the local leaders were helping Mr George, whom LDF denied ticket after giving hopes.
Sources said Mr Vijayan "scolded" leaders for the slow-paced campaign to help opponents. The CPI (M) district leadership was also not allegedly taking adequate measures to energise cadres. Mr George, who was expecting the LDF support, is trying his best for making use of the confusion.
He was denied the seat reportedly due to the adamant stand taken by Mr Vijayan despite demands from other CPI (M) leaders who maintained that his candidature will help the party in the surrounding constituencies. A few of the CPI (M) local committees had even passed resolutions asking the LDF to field him.
The LDF) is in power in Erattupetta municipality, Poonjar panchayat, and the Poonjar Thekkekara panchayat with the support of Mr George’s party which is also a worry for the CPI(M) leadership.
