CPM candidate list in Kerala has both VS and Pinarayi Vijayan -

The rumours have been put to rest. VS Achuthanandan and Pinarayi Vijayan, two of the tallest leaders of the CPI(M) in Kerala, will be contesting in the upcoming Assembly elections in the state, thus leaving the party in a quagmire if it comes to power. Both VS and Vijayan, who have led factions against each other for decades within the party, harbour chief ministerial ambitions.

The CPI(M) candidate list, that was released earlier today, confirmed that VS will be fighting for re-election from the Malampuzha seat in Palakkad and Vijayan from the Left pocketborough of Dharmadam in the politically sensitive Kannur district. While VS was the chief minister of the state from 2006 to 2011, Vijayan last held a ministry portfolio between 1996-98.

Both Malampuzha and Dharmadam seats are said to be safe for the party and therefore the victories of both VS and Vijayan are a foregone conclusion. Therefore in the scenario of both leaders winning and the LDF coming to power, it will be a tough decision for the party leadership to choose a leader.

Among the other candidates announced by the party is popular actor Mukesh who has been fielded from the Kollam seat despite objections from the mandal committee of the party. Journalist MV Nikesh Kumar, who heads Reporter TV, a private news channel in Kerala, has also been fielded from Azhikkode as an independent. The CPI (M) is fielding 30 sitting legislators this time. AISF leader at JNU Muhammed Muhasin would contest from Pattambi in Palakkad on a CPI ticket. CPI (M) state secretariat member M M Mani, who had publicly stated that the party had a history of killing rivals, would contest from Udumbanchola in Idukki. In Malappuram, LDF would field 11 independents, including four businessmen, as independents. Some other candidates are Veena George from Aranmula, Thomas Isaac from Alappuzha, G Sudhakaran from Ambalappuzha, Sebastian Paul from Thrikkakara and AK Balan from Tharur. While CPI(M) will be contesting in 92 seats, the remaining are split among the CPI and the smaller allies in the LDF.   LDF convener Vaikkom Vishwan said the candidates for the remaining constituencies would be announced soon after completing discussions. COURTESY: http://indianexpress.com