CPI's independent candidate to end Shashi Tharoor's winning streak in Thiruvananthapuram?

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is rumoured that CPI is zeroing in on a popular independent candidate to disrupt Shashi Tharoor’s winning streak in the Thiruvananthapuram constituency. Social and literary notables rooted in CPI’s ideologies are now being considered.

Earlier, Pannyan Raveendran and Minister G R Anil were considered for the constituency but both of them disapproved of the move.

Although the names of Chengara Surendran and Deputy Speaker Chittayam Gopakumar are being floated in Mavelikkara, the name of AIYF leader and Agriculture Minister's personal staff member CA Arunkumar is being actively considered.

With Arun Kumar, CPI looks to win back the Mavelikara seat from Congress leader Kodikunnil Suresh. Arun, who is also the office-bearer of the All India Dalit Rights Movement, held a farmer's march in the constituency recently.

It is almost certain that former minister VS Sunilkumar will be a candidate in Thrissur. It is estimated that Sunilkumar can put up a strong fight where the BJP is certain to earn some votes.

If Rahul Gandhi contests in Wayanad again, CPI will field Annie Raja, a member of the national executive. The names of Sathyan Mokeri and PP Suneer are also in discussion. The party state executive meeting to be held on Wednesday will instruct the respective district committees to submit the possible list of candidates for the four constituencies. This will be examined and a final agreement may be reached in the executive meeting to be held again on the 26th.