Achuthanandan's exclusion disturbing but issue will be resolved:Left

New Delhi, Mar 17 (UNI) Seeking to downplay the issue of controversy in the Kerala unit of the CPI(M) over the exclusion of veteran leader V S Achuthanadan from the party list, the Left parties today expressed confidence that the matter will be resolved with the strength of the leadership and cadres' support.

The leaders of the CPI(M), CPI and Forward Bloc told UNI that while it was true that the issue of the exclusion of Mr Achuthanadan, who is also the leader of the opposition in the state assembly, was a ''cause of concern'', the Left was confident that it would be settled amicably.

The CPI state unit reportedly finalised the list of the candidates for the coming assembly polls but it did not contain the name of the Mr Achutanandan which had made the cadres restive.

CPI(M) floor leaders--Basudeb Acharya and Salim Mohammad said the party top leadership had reached there and were taking care of the issue.

Mr Mohammad was, however, more forthcoming and asserted, ''it is true that disturbing news is coming from Kerala, but the strength of the party leadership and the support of the people will see it through.'' CPI National Secretary Shamim Faizi said the members of the Left had already started a series of meetings to resolve the deadlock.

They were engaged in finalising the candidates list and the manifesto, he added.

Forward Bloc National Secretary G Derajan said all efforts had to be made to contain any setback that could be harmful to the LDF prospectus in the state.

UNI KSA MSJ GC1540