KOLLAM: Following the protests in CPM, a similar show of discontent has erupted in CPI as well. In Chadayamangalam, CPI activists staged a protest against the selection of J Chinchurani. The protesters want A Mustafa to be the candidate. About 200 people, including women, took part in the protest.

J Chinchurani is a member of the CPI state committee. Overcoming strong opposition from the local leadership, the CPI Kollam district leadership meeting directed the state council to field Chinchu Rani as its candidate. Local factions had demanded that local leader A Mustafa be nominated. But the leaders rejected the need of the local leadership, citing women's representation. A section of activists had warned that they would raise public protests against the decision.

At the same time, there was a huge march of activists in Kuttiyadi today to protest against the handing over of the CPM's sitting seat to the Kerala Congress. The complaint sent to the central leadership was not considered and the activists came out in protest.