LDF finalises seat sharing, CPIM in 14 seats, CPI 4

Thiruvananthapuram: CPIM led Left Democratic Front in Kerala has completed its seat sharing today and announced candidates for all the 20 constituencies. According to the formula, the CPIM will contest in 14 seats, CPI in 4 and Kerala Congress (joseph) in one. One seat, Ponnani, has been allotted to an independent. The Kerala Congress has been nominated sitting MP, Francis George, in Idukky.

According to Vaikom Vishwan, convener of the LDF, Janata Dal, a constituent of the front, refused to accept Wayanad seat and insisted on Kozhikode seat, where it contested in 2004. In view of the delimitation of constituencies, the CPIM has asked the Janata Dal to contest in Wayanad, instead of Kozhikode. Since, they refused to accept the proposal, Wayanad has been allotted to the CPI. The CPIM has decided to field Ad. M Rahmathulla in Wayanad. The CPIM has decided to put up Advocate Mohamed Riyaz in Kozhikode, a stronghold of the party. Mohamed Riyaz, a novise in electoral battle, is the president of the DYFI in Kozhikode district.
The LDF state committee, which met here this evening, has decided to field Dr. Hussain Randathani, an academic, in Ponnani against Mulsim League's Hussain Randathani. The LDF hopes that it will be able to wrest the seat from the Muslim League by fielding a commonly acceptable independent.

The JD had declared that it would contest in Kozhikode on its own. However, Vaikom Viswan told newsmen here that JD will take a decision favourable to the LDF on 22nd in its State Council. Viswan said the JD would continue to be a partner of the LDF. The LDF hopes that the JD would not field its candidate in Kozhikode to express its protest against 'denial' of Kozhikode seat. The JD had withdrawn its nominee Mathew T Thomas from the Cabinet to express its displeasure. However, the Chief Minister is yet to accept the resignation of Mathew T Thomas, who held Transport portfolio. The LDF has requested the Janata Dal to reconsider its decision to pull down its nominee from the Cabinet. Janata Dal state council to be held on March 22nd would take a decision to this effect.