THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM state committee has decided to make development agenda the main issue in the Puthupally by-election. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will reach Puthupally on August 24 for campaigning. The Chief Minister will attend two public meetings that evening. He will campaign for one more day after Onam. No date set.

The state committee is of the opinion that if a political fight takes place in Puthupally, a favourable situation is likely. Organizational cohesion is strong. If UDF campaigns on Oommen Chandy's departure as an emotional issue, it will be defended. The meeting strictly instructed that there should be no comments or propaganda that insults anyone personally.

Apart from the state committee members from Kottayam and nearby areas, there was direction to the important leaders of the state to work in Puthupally. Only the main leaders have the responsibilities.

The meeting was scheduled for two days, but the meeting was concluded yesterday in the wake of the Puthupally by-election. Past central committee decisions were reported to the state committee. The meeting did not consider any controversial issues.