Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) announced the name of its candidates for upcoming by-polls today.
Addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthpuram, CPI-M State General Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan announced his party’s decision. As quoted by ANI, he said, “The party has fielded Manjeswaram M Sanker Rai for the Kasaragod legislative assembly. Thiruvananthapuram corporation Mayor VK Prasanth has been fielded for Vattiyoorkavu seat. Advocate KU Jinesh Kumar for Konni, Manu C. Pulikkal for the Aroo constituency and Manu Roy has been fielded for Ernakulam constituency.”
Kerala will go to by-poll on October 21 for Ernakulam, Aroo, Konni, Vattiyoorkavu, and Kasaragod seat.
By infusing young blood and challenging the conventional caste and community equations that were being tenaciously followed so far, the CPI(M) is experimenting with a change in electoral politics in the State. The decision to infuse young blood in the party can be seen as its vigorous attempt to rejuvenate the electoral environment. It is expected that this new youth section can provide a new direction for the party.
By-poll schedule was announced by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on previous Saturday. By-polls for 64 seats across 18 states is to be held on October 21 alongside the assembly elections of Maharashtra and Haryana. The counting of votes will take place on October 24.
Previously, CPI-M has also come up with a new strategic plan to increase its voter’s base.