Palakkad: Palakkad bishop Jacob Manathodath has written a letter to the CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran recommending a businessman from Kanjikode as CPI candidate in Mannarkkad constituency. In the last two assembly polls, CPI candidates were defeated in Mannarkkad constituency.
The bishop has proposed the name of businessman Isaac Varghese as CPI candidate. In the letter to the CPI state secretary, the bishop noted that giving a seat to Isaac will benefit the party.
The letter noted that Isaac Varghese is an important member of the church. If CPI fields Isaac, the church will support him assuring chances of winning the seat, added the letter.
According to reports, the letter was forwarded on January 11.
Isaac Varghese informed that the bishop issued the recommendation letter as he is a believer and he handed over it to Kanam Rajendran.
He added that he is interested to contest the polls and is confident of victory. In 2006, Jose Baby won Mannarkkad seat as CPI candidate. But Muslim League candidate N Shamusudeen won the seat in 2011 and 2016.
‘Mathrubhumi’ had tried to contact Palakkad bishop over phone but failed. Sources close to Palakkad diocese revealed that there is no politics in bishop’s letter but just consideration for an acquaintance.
It is hinted that Isaac Varghese has approached CPI Malampuzha constituency committee expressing interest to contest the polls.
Meanwhile, the CPI district leadership has informed that the party did not start the selection of candidates. They also dismissed the rumours on the candidature.
