UDF decides against PC George's entry, talks with NDA over possible inclusion

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The UDF has decided not to take Janapaksham Secular leader PC George MLA to the front. The UDF leadership informed PC George about this. George also refused UDF's suggestion to contest from Poonjar as an independent candidate with the front's support. With this, PC George's discussion with the NDA has now become active.

The I Group, led by Ramesh Chennithala, had argued that bringing PC George to the forefront would ensure victory in Poonjar and gain ground, including in Pala, which is preparing for a tough contest. However, Group A and local leaders warned that George's entry to the front would be a setback. A section in Congress even threatened to field a rebel candidate if George is made a part of the front. With strong opposition, a suggestion that George can be supported was raised in Congress, which was rejected by PC George.

Earlier, a move was made to bring George to the NDA. PC George's constituency is Poonjar in Pathanamthitta district which includes Sabarimala. The BJP reckons that it can gain the support of the people in areas where he has great influence, including Poonjar, if George becomes part of the front.

PC George joined the NDA in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. George became part of the Front by declaring that he was with the believers during Sabarimala women's entry row. The BJP aimed Christian votes with PC George. He then went to Pathanamthitta to seek votes for K Surendran. In the end, PC George left the front saying that the NDA is makeshift system.

The NDA has promised to give two seats to Janapaksham in case PC George comes to the front. The BJP is hoping for an upset if PC George himself becomes the NDA candidate in Poonjar. The NDA is also looking at the possibility of fielding George's son Shone George in another seat.