The CPM has finalized the choice of its district secretary, Saji Cherian, as LDF candidate for the State Assembly by-poll in Chengannur. Alappuzha: The CPM has finalized the choice of its district secretary, Saji Cherian, as LDF candidate for the State Assembly by-poll in Chengannur. The decision was made on Sunday during an emergency meeting of the district committee in Chengannur, after the state committee approved it.
Central Committee member P K Gurudasan and State Secretariat member M V Govindan conveyed the decision to the district committee. Saji Cherian's name will be announced officially once the central leadership endorses it.
The district secretariat had recommended only Saji's name after a meeting the other day, with state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan presiding over. Saji's candidature was discussed in that meeting before it was formally recommended.
Saji had contested in Chengannur in 2006. The LDF won Chengannur in 2016 after a long gap when its candidate, K K Ramachandran Nair, beat incumbent Congress MLA P C Vishnunath. The by-election has been caused by the death of Nair.
The CPM expedited the choice of Saji after its loss of Tripura. The BJP has decided on fielding its national committee member P S Sreedharan Pillai as candidate again. The Congress decision is expected to be finalized on March 8. Former Mavelikkara MLA M. Murali is reported to be the favourite.
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