Thiruvananthapuram: The CPM state secretariat has decided to field KK Shailaja, who did not find a place in the Kannur district list. However, she will not be given the Mattannur seat she currently represents. Instead, the decision is for Shailaja to contest from Peravoor, where KPCC president Sunny Joseph is in the fray.

The secretariat has also suggested some revisions to the lists submitted by districts. It is indicated that Shailaja expressed reservations at the meeting about changing constituencies. Some leaders reportedly argued that Peravoor is a constituency that requires a senior leader like Shailaja to secure victory. The party will strictly implement the two-term rule in constituencies it considers safe. The rule applies to 23 MLAs. However, exemptions will be granted in constituencies where any of them must contest again to ensure victory. If applied accordingly, Speaker AN Shamseer may not contest from Thalassery.

Sudhakaran not under consideration

Responding to a question at a press conference on whether veteran leader G Sudhakaran was being considered, state secretary MV Govindan said he was not under consideration at all. Suresh Kurup is also not being considered in Kottayam. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will be the only Politburo member contesting.

No final decision has been taken yet on PK Shyamala from Taliparamba. If district secretaries contest, they will step down from organisational responsibilities. Discussions with allied parties will be completed by March 4. The state committee meeting on March 5 will approve the candidate list. After district and constituency-level scrutiny, the candidates are expected to be announced on March 8.