Pathanamthitta: Health Minister Veena George’s husband, George Joseph, has approached the CPM requesting not be field her in the upcoming Assembly elections. The issue was discussed at the district secretariat meeting held on Monday. State secretariat and Central Committee member Thomas Isaac, who attended the meeting, reported the matter to the state leadership. As Veena George is an invitee to the state committee, the final decision rests with the state leadership.

George Joseph, former Secretary of the Orthodox Church, informed CPM leaders of his request, citing family reasons. George conveyed his request over phone to the leaders of the state, district, and area leaders and also spoke to some in person. The information was passed from area leaders to the district committee, and then to the state leadership. The state leadership is expected to seek clarification from Veena George and her husband.

Veena George, sitting MLA from Aranmula, has been recommended again by the CPM state committee to contest from the constituency. The district committee had proposed only her name. She first contested from Aranmula in 2016 as a newcomer and former journalist on a CPM ticket, and won. She retained the seat in 2021 as well. In 2019, she contested the Lok Sabha election from the Pathanamthitta constituency but was defeated.

The unusual request from George has reportedly caused surprise within the CPM. Veena George, who was injured during a KSU protest in Kannur, is currently resting at her home in Kodumon, Pathanamthitta.