Consensus reached in RSP discussions: No seat for Karthik Premachandran; Vishnu Mohan UDF candidate in Iravipuram

KOLLAM: A consensus was reached in the dispute in the RSP over the UDF candidate for the Iravipuram constituency. The party secretariat meeting held today decided not to field Karthik Premachandran, son of NK Premachandran MP, in the assembly elections. The decision came after the Shibu Baby John faction took a stand against fielding Karthik. The secretariat meeting proposed RYF state secretary Adv Vishnu Mohan as the consensus candidate.

Shibu Baby John and N.K. Premachandran were reportedly criticised at the secretariat meeting. The criticism was that the dispute between the leaders had reached a point where it was affecting the discipline and unity of the party, as well as the performance of the party's candidates in the upcoming elections. A section criticised N.K. Premachandran for standing just for his family. One section criticised that it was not right for Premachandran to take the stand that his own son should contest in Iravipuram.

Shibu Baby John also had to face severe criticism at the state committee meeting. The leaders said that it was not right for Shibu, who is also the candidate in Chavara, to take the party into two factions. It was also said that he is someone who has the responsibility to eliminate sectarianism.

It is reported that RYF state president Ullas Kovoor will contest in Kunnathur. Santosh Bhadran will seek a verdict in Attingal. The secretariat meeting held today also decided to demand another constituency with a chance of victory instead of Mattannur.