A day after noted filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan (Ranjith) expressed his desire to contest the upcoming Kerala assembly polls as a Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate, it seems it is unlikely that he would be given the party ticket.
Talking to reporters after inaugurating the renovation of Samagra Shiksha Autism Center at Nadakkavu in Kerala's Kozhikode district on Tuesday, Ranjith said that it was up to the party to make the announcement.
However, Ranjith's open and direct statement to the media has ruffled some feathers in the Communist Party of India (CPM) camp, the major constituent in LDF.
Sources indicate that a sizeable number of the party's district secretariat members - both young and old - are against nominating Ranjith.
"No party leadership at any level has decided to seek's Ranjith's opinion. Then, at whose behest was he approached?" asked a leader who wishes to remain anonymous.
Though incumbent MLA Pradeepkumar was not in the election fray as yet, party workers have insisted that he be given a waiver to contest again. Pradeepkumar has contested three times from the Kozhikode North constituency.
The matter is is likely to be brought up at the secretariat meeting to discuss candidate selection on Wednesday.
Ranjith, who has donned many roles in the film world these past 33 years, on Tuesday said that there are two kinds of political activity. While he may not be a regular politician, he said the governance system is open to all.
Ranjith also acknowledged Pradeepkumar's good work in the constituency. “He has been doing excellent work in Kozhikode North these past 15 years. It has seen the most development during this time,” Ranjith said.
