CPM once again banks on fielding independents in MPM

Kozhikode: CPM is once again banking on the strategy of fielding independent candidates in UDF strongholds in Malappuram.Apart from giving another chance to incumbent LDF Independent MLAs like minister V Abdurahiman in Tanur and K T Jaleel in Tavanur, who were previously aligned with UDF, the party has this time expanded the experiment by fielding former Indian footballer U Sharafali in Nilambur and Mohammed Sabah Kundupuzhakkal in Vengara. CPM state secretary M V Govindan said the party will field independents in the assembly seats of Kottakkal, Kondotty and Tirur. This time CPI too has fielded independent candidate Musthafa V M in Manjeri constituency. LDF tasted success in the past by fielding former Congress and League leaders in UDF strongholds in seats like Tavanur, Tanur and Nilambur. However, former Nilambur MLA P V Anvar broke ranks with the party and is now aligned with UDF. CPM hopes fielding independents with a UDF background provided the advantage of making inroads into the traditional vote banks of League and Congress and seemed to be able to gain more public acceptance than candidates who earlier used to contest on CPM symbol in UDF strongholds.