The New Indian Express 31.08.2010
Seat-seekers give both fronts a tough time
KOCHI: With the state heading for the civic polls, aspiring candidates in both the fronts have started behind-the-scene moves to secure seats.The leadership of both the UDF and the LDF are facing a tough time in taking a final decision on the selection of candidates for the divisions in Kochi Corporation as many have staked claim to the same seats. Factionalism is the main problem faced by the CPM.
Many of the area committees of the party which are controlled by the VS faction are against the candidature of those in the official faction. The members in the area committees are all set to spoil the chances of K N Unnikrishnan and K J Jacob, two prominent figures in the Pinarayi group who are considered Mayor candidates if the LDF retains rule.
The CPM district committee will decide the candidates if there is any controversy, sources said.
Congress, the main constituent in the UDF, has decided to take strict action against those attempting to blur the chances of the UDF candidates.
Last time, the selection of candidates was left with the block committee, which had decided the candidates according to its whims and fancies, resulting in a plethora of rebels. This time, a KPCC panel will be deciding the candidates.
The first round of discussions will be held on September 2. The suggestions at the meeting will be considered by the UDF state committee to be held in Kochi on September 4.
The UDF wants to capture Kochi this time at any cost as it is the most important corporation in the state having many development projects.
