Candidates based on popularity: CPM conditions certain to change: Fronts bringing out best game

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While the Congress has entered the battlefield with a blueprint for the assembly election with the overconfidence that it will come to power, the CPM is building a fortress to ensure a third term. The opinion that only those who are trusted by the people can win prevails among the fronts.

There are indications that the CPM is ready to recall many prominent people who were left out in the name of criteria and field them as candidates. The CPM's stance of excluding those who have won two consecutive terms is certain to change. The CPI will field all four current ministers.

Although the setback in the local body and the allegations of gold looting in Sabarimala are bothering the Left Front, they will put Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the forefront of the fight. The UDF's goal is to win 100 seats on the strength of the victory in the local body. The BJP, on the other hand, is moving its arms to target four seats. The party's state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has announced his candidacy ahead of schedule.

Although AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal and Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan are saying that there are more opportunities for the youth, at least half a dozen senior leaders, including former KPCC presidents, will be in the candidate line-up. It is heard that Chandy Oommen has informed Deepa Dasmunshi that he will step aside if there is a replacement in Puthuppally.

Pinarayi to lead

The LDF will be led by Chief Minister Pinarayi. It is almost certain that he will return to Dharmadom. CPM state secretary M.V. Govindan will not contest. V. Sivankutty is contesting in the capital district. However, the matter of former minister Kadakampally Surendran is in doubt. District secretary V. Joy may contest again. With Antony Raju disqualified, the CPM will take the Thiruvananthapuram seat. A new face is being sought. There is also an opinion that Thomas Isaac and K.K. Shailaja should be fielded.

More than one person in Congress

Former KPCC presidents Mullappally Ramachandran, K. Sudhakaran, K. Muraleedharan, M.M. Hasan and others are willing to contest. K.C. Joseph, K. Babu, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and others are also likely to enter the fray. Although there is an opinion that MPs should stay away, it would not be surprising if Adoor Prakash and Shafi Parambil contest. The chief minister's post will be a villain if Congress gets close to 100 seats. Senior Ramesh Chennithala and opposition leader V.D. Satheesan are in the lead.

BJP to win in four

BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has earlier clarified that he will contest in Nemom. Shobha Surendran in Kayamkulam, V. Muraleedharan in Kazhakoottham and P.K. Krishnadas in Kattakada are almost certain. It would not be surprising if K. Surendran becomes the candidate in Vattiyoorkavu. Former DGP R. Sreelekha has responded that she will not contest in the assembly elections.