Karat Faizal ignores CPM’s directive; to contest as independent in Koduvally

KOZHIKODE: Karat Faizal questioned by the investigating team in the gold smuggling case will contest as an independent from Koduvally municipality. He has mentioned that he will not withdraw from the fray. The party had earlier informed that he will contest from Chundappuram division in Koduvally municipality. However, the CPM state panel had decided not to field him questioned in the gold smuggling case. Faizal is not ready to withdraw from the fray.

It was MLA P T A Rahim who announced Faizal as the LDF candidate in Chundappuram division. There were criticisms in the party for fielding him. Faizal was left councillor in the previous council. CPM district secretary P Mohanan said the party has some criteria and candidates will be announced according to that. Faizal supporters are meeting to discuss future steps. The CPM is worried that Rahim faction will leak votes.