INTUC threatens to field 'rebel' candidates

Kochi: Accusing the state Congress leadership of "backstabbing" in seat allocation for May 16 Assembly polls, INTUC Thursday threatened to field its own candidates to ensure the defeat of party-led UDF in the election.

Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) state President R Chandrasekharan said Congress ignored its trade union wing while preparing candidates' list for the crucial Assembly polls.

He said the INTUC had handed over a list of 18 labour leaders for their candidature but leaders including Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, KPCC President V M Sudheeran and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala "simply put it in the dustbin."

"We were backstabbed by Congress leaders in Kerala. There is no space for us in the party," Chandrasekharan said.

Claiming that the INTUC has got a strength of 16 lakh members - including four lakh MNREGA workers, he said a final decision on fielding 'rebel' candidates will be taken after his meeting with Sudheeran tomorrow.

"KPCC president has invited us for a meeting tomorrow. If our grievances are not addressed, we will definitely field our own candidates against UDF's official candidates," he said.

Chandrasekharan said representations have been given to Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi regarding the issue.

Congress has announced candidates for 83 constituencies across Kerala. It has not decided on three constituencies, considered to be CPI(M) strongholds, in north Kerala.