3 CPI(M) workers attacked in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Three CPI(M) workers were injured when they were attacked allegedly by a group of Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) workers in poll-bound Chengannur (Alapupuzha district) assembly constituency on Sunday.

Police said all three received minor stab wounds and were admitted to the Chengannur taluk hospital.

The injured, who claimed to be erstwhile BDJS workers, said they were attacked for leaving the party and joining the CPI(M). Though an ally of the BJP-led NDA, the BDJS had announced its decision not to support the saffron party in the crucial by-election. The party is upset with the BJP for not fulfilling its promises made during the formation of the NDA.

The constituency is witnessing a fierce three-cornered contest. The Election Commission is yet to announce the date but the ruling CPI(M), Congress and BJP have announced their candidates and begun a vigorous campaign in the constituency.

In recent history, no other constituency in the state witnessed such heat and dust even before the poll date was out. Stakes are high for all three contenders. The CPI(M) is desperate to retain its sitting seat as it feels it is a referendum on its government. For the BJP, it is an opportunity to announce its arrival in the state. Its leaders claimed that Chengannur was the launching pad for the party in the state.

The Congress, meanwhile, wants to retain its stronghold that slipped out of its kitty in the last assembly poll.

The by-election was necessitated due to the death of sitting MLA KK Ramachandran two months ago.