Cong trying to delay Piravom by-poll, alleges Kodiyeri

Tuesday, January 10, 2012: Deputy Leader of Opposition Kodiyeri Balakrishnan today charged the ruling Congress led UDF with trying to delay the assembly by-poll from Piravom segment, fearing defeat.
Speaking to the reporters here on Tuesday, Kodiyeri added that the LDF was ready to face the by-poll. The by-poll is necessitated by the death of Kerala Congress (Jacob) leader T M Jacob in October last. Jacob was food minister in the UDF at the time of his demise.
Jacob’s death has further narrowed down the UDF majority in the 140-member Assembly. According to political observers, if the UDF fails to retain Piravom, it could only shake the government.
Kerala Congress (J) has already announced Jacob’s son Anoop Jacob as the party’s nominee for the bye-election, date for which is yet to announced by the Election Commission.
The Congress, as lead partner, is unlikely to oppose the proposal expecting that the sympathy factor will help Anoop sail through smoothly, where his father had won by just 157 votes over his LDF rival in the April 13 Assembly elections.