CPI(M) may back Cherian Philip

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, APRIL 5. The State CPI(M) is seriously considering the possibility of fielding the Congress leader, Mr. Cherian Philip, as an LDF candidate in the coming Assembly election. Mr. Philip had earlier today announced his readiness to contest the election either in Cherthala or Puthuppally.

The CPI(M) State committee, which met here today, discussed the issue, though briefly, and decided to consider the option seriously. The party is apparently waiting for Mr. Philip to make up his mind. There was initially the notion that he could be fielded in Cherthala from where the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. A. K. Antony, is seeking re-election. However, this would be possible only if the CPI is willing to withdraw its nominee, Mr. C. K. Chandrappan, from the fray. At this point of time, the CPI leadership does not seem enthusiastic to the idea.

In case the CPI leadership does not agree to the proposal to field Mr. Cherian Philip in Cherthala, he would be fielded in Puthuppally in Kottayam against the Congress leader, Mr. Oommen Chandy. The CPI(M) State leadership is in touch with their CPI counterparts on the Cherthala option before taking a final decision.

The CPI(M) State committee today finalised the list of candidates for the nine remaining seats. The list is likely to be announced tomorrow. The party had announced the names of 67 candidates on March 25.

The CPI(M) is quite happy with the turn of events during the last few weeks and feels that the confusion in the Congress over candidate selection has helped the LDF gain a headstart in the campaign. Conventions in most of the constituencies where the party has announced candidates have already been held and house visit by campaigners are all set to begin.

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