THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM state secretariat meeting assessed the general political situation after the death of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. The CPM has concluded that the assembly elections to five states are likely to be held in November and December, and Puthupally by-elections are also possible at that stage.

By-elections should be approached with political significance. The meeting also evaluated the situation in which Oommen Chandy's majority was reduced to less than ten thousand in the last assembly elections. In the first week of August, the CPM central committee meeting and the state leadership meeting will be held. The party has agreed in principle to go into by-election preparations after that.

Out of the eight constituencies in the constituency, six are under the Left government.