THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Talks are being held in the UDF to field CMP leader C P John in a strong constituency in Malabar for the assembly elections. The Congress and the Muslim League want C P John, who is active in the Front and in television debates, in the assembly this time. So C P John is being considered for a seat in Malabar where League has dominance. Instead, Kunnamkulam where John contested twice and lost, will be taken over by the Congress.

C P John lost to Babu M Palissery in 2011 and to A C Moideen in 2016 from Kunnamkulam. John had decided not to try his luck here anymore. Senior Congress leaders told Kerala Kaumudi Online that it was inevitable that C P John, a financial expert and CPM critic who speaks for the Front in all difficult phases of the UDF, come to the Assembly.

There is a move to replace RSP state secretary A A Aziz with Babu Divakaran in Eravipuram. The RSP is also planning to take over Kundara or Kollam by giving Eravipuram. Senior UDF leaders told Kerala Kaumudi Online that there is also a move to field a Delhi based Keralite journalist in Eravipuram. A A Aziz lost by 28,000 votes last time in Eravipuram. Aziz had not yet opened his mind on competing.

If Aziz is contesting, RSP is asking Kollam seat for Babu Divakaran. The Forward Bloc has one seat in Kollam. Though there is a possibility for Chathanur, leaders say that if the Forward Bloc contests there, the victory of the BJP is certain. Devarajan wants to contest in Kollam Assembly constituency.