The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala has announced that P Sarin, recently expelled from the Congress, will contest as an independent Left-backed candidate for the Palakkad assembly seat in the upcoming by-election on November 13. Sarin was expelled from the Congress after voicing his dissent against the party leadership's choice of candidate for the bypoll.
The CPI(M)'s decision to support Sarin was revealed by state secretary M.V. Govindan at a press conference, as per a report on PTI. Govindan also confirmed that former MLA U.R. Pradeep will be contesting for the Chelakkara assembly seat in the same by-election.
"We are confident of securing victory in both seats," Govindan stated.
The bypolls in Palakkad and Chelakkara were necessitated after their sitting MLAs, Shafi Parambil and K Radhakrishnan respectively, were elected to the Lok Sabha earlier this year.
Govindan emphasized that the BJP remains the primary opponent of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in all elections, including in Palakkad, where he accused the UDF and BJP of striking a deal to ensure the saffron party's victory.
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has fielded Youth Congress state president Rahul Mamkootathil as their candidate for the Palakkad seat.
Earlier, Sarin, who resigned from the Congress on Thursday after being denied the Palakkad seat, accused the party of striking a deal with the BJP during the Lok Sabha elections. According to him, as part of this arrangement, Palakkad MLA Shafi Parambil contested and won the Vadakara Lok Sabha seat with BJP's support, and in return, the Congress would assist the BJP in securing a victory in Palakkad now.
Meanwhile, Congress heavyweight Priyanka Gandhi is expected to file her nomination in Wayanad on October 23. She is also expected to begin her campaign on Thursday (October 24).
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