Thiruvananthapuram, 22 Feb (H.S): The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M)is reportedly exploring a strategic move to contest the Paravur Assembly constituency in Ernakulam district, currently represented by Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan, in a bid to weaken his stronghold ahead of the next Assembly elections.
According to sources, informal discussions have begun between the CPM and its Left Democratic Front (LDF) ally, the Communist Party of India (CPI), regarding a possible seat swap arrangement. While formal seat-sharing talks within the LDF have not yet commenced, the idea under consideration is to exchange Paravur — presently contested by the CPI — with another constituency in the district, likely Perumbavoor.
Satheesan, who represents Paravur in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, has won the seat five consecutive times, making it one of the Congress party’s safest constituencies in the state. CPM leaders are said to be of the view that a direct contest by the party, rather than leaving the seat to the CPI, may improve the LDF’s chances of defeating the senior Congress leader.
Though no official decision has been taken, sources indicate that the matter could be discussed in greater detail after the LDF meeting scheduled for February 23. A senior CPI leader told The New Indian Express that no formal discussions have taken place either within the CPI or at the LDF level regarding any seat exchange. “The issue has not been discussed in the state executive. Such matters will be considered only after the LDF state committee meeting,” the leader clarified.
At its state executive meeting held on Friday, the CPI resolved to intensify fund mobilisation efforts and strengthen grassroots outreach by visiting households, considering the prevailing political climate. A section within the party has argued that winnability should be the sole criterion in seat allocation decisions this time.
The CPI is also yet to decide whether to relax its informal three-term limit for MLAs. Of its 17 sitting legislators, six — E.K. Vijayan (Nadapuram), E. Chandrasekharan (Kanhangad), Chittayam Gopakumar (Adoor), V. Sashi (Chirayinkeezhu), P.S. Supal (Punalur), and G.S. Jayalal (Chathannoor) — have already completed three terms. Granting selective exemptions could potentially trigger internal dissent within the party.
As the Assembly election approaches, strategic recalibrations within the LDF appear to be gathering pace.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
