Independent candidate for CPM in Nilambur? Former footballer likely to contest 

MALAPPURAM: There are reports that the CPM is planning to field an independent candidate for Nilambur by-elections. It is heard that the CPM is considering U Sharafali, former football player and Sports Council President, Thomas Mathew, former principal of Chungathara Marthoma College and Dr Shinas Babu, Nilambur District Hospital Superintendent. Other independent candidates with chances of winning are also being considered.

After taking charge as the CPM district secretary, V P Anil clarified that the party will not completely abandon the independent experiment in the election. Talks related to this are now going on. It is reported that in the initial stage, U Sharafali, Thomas Mathew and Dr Shinas Babu are under the party's consideration.

There were reports that dissatisfaction with the independent experiment was raised in the last district conference. However, it is indicated that the CPM has a stance that an independent candidate acceptable to everyone and party workers should be considered.

Meantime, the Congress is also making a strong effort to wrest Nilambur. The UDF is also holding talks to fix the candidate. Priority is presently for DCC president Joy.