Alappuzha: Unofficial meetings started in CPM and CPI regarding the exchange of Haripad and Aroor constituencies in the upcoming assembly polls. Though official discussions were not held between parties or in the LDF, the leaders have talked about it. The suggestion in this regard was put forward by CPM.

At present, CPI contests from Haripad and CPM from Aroor. A M Ariff had won from Aroor twice, but it was lost in the previous bypolls. Haripad was the only sitting seat that LDF lost in Alappuzha district in the previous assembly election. Ramesh Chennithala was elected with a majority of 18,621 votes. Chennithala has made it clear that he will contest from Haripad this time too.

It has been assessed that the internal issues in CPM resulted in the defeat in Aroor bypolls. Ariff had won the 2016 assembly polls with a majority of 38,519 votes. When Ariff was elected to Parliament, Congress leader Shanimol Usman won the bypolls with a majority of 2,079 votes.

Veteran CPM leader T K Devakumar had won from Haripad in 2001 and was later defeated in 2006. He is likely to be fielded from Haripad this time or any state-level young leader will be given the chance. If CPI did not hand over this seat, Binoy Viswam will be contesting from here.

CPI state executive will take place on January 7. The district leaders informed that they will start discussion about candidates only after this. A veteran CPM leader stated that though they conduct unofficial talks, it is not presented before the party leadership.