Eyeing 3rd term, CPM begins talks on relaxation to two-term MLAs

Legislators elected to party positions may have to focus on organisational matters, say sources

- Anil S @T'Puram

WITH just seven months remaining for the crucial assembly elections, informal talks have begun within the CPM over seat sharing and candidate selection. As the Left is eyeing a historical third term, all eyes are now on probable candidates. And the million dollar question undoubtedly is whether Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will contest for a third term.

There are indications that the party may reconsider its two-term limit for a few sitting MLAs. Of the 62 CPM MLAs, 23 including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, ministers Veena George, O R Kelu, Speaker A N Shamseer, senior leaders K K Shailaja and M M Mani come under the consecutive two-term category.

While there are 31 first-timers in the current assembly, four others—CPM state secretary M V Govindan, ministers V N Vasavan, V Sivankutty and senior leader C H Kunhambu—have served as MLAs earlier, but are not on a consecutive second term.