CPM asks Karat Faizal to withdraw from fray

KOZHIKODE: The CPM asked Karat Faizal questioned by investigating agencies in the gold smuggling case, to withdraw from contesting in the local body polls. Faizal informed to contest from Koduvally municipality Chundappuram division.

MLA P T A Rahim announced Faizal, presently left councillor, as the candidate in Chundappuram division. He had decided to contest as LDF independent.

CPM district committee asked him to withdraw from the fray and this is as per the directive of the state committee.

The customs had questioned him for hours in the gold smuggling case. He is also the accused in Karipur gold smuggling case.

Many within the party had opposed him contesting. The CPM has certain criteria. Candidates will be announced according to that. CPM district secretary P Mohanan said this time the criteria will be different from last time.