Decision on NCP before Thiruvambadi by-poll: CPM leader

Kozhikode, Nov 15 (UNI) A decision on the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress party (NCP) supporting the Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate in the December four Thiruvambadi by-poll would be taken soon, CPI(M) Kerala Secretary Pinarayi Vijayan today said.

Talking to media after a meeting with NCP leader T P Peethambaran Master here, he said 'an appropriate decision would be taken before the by-poll,' caused by the death of CPI(M) member Mathai Chacko.

Refusing to divulge details of today's talks, Mr Vijayan said 'these are not supposed to be disclosed before the media now.' A controversy had erupted after the merger of the Democratic Indira Congresss (Karunakaran) with the NCP, a partner of the ruling LDF, with CPI(M) Politburo member and Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan ruling out a patch up with Mr Karunakaran.

Meanwhile, Mr Peethambaran Master said the NCP, which had a sizeable following in certain pockets in the constituency, would not cooperate with the LDF if Mr Karuranakaran and the erstwhile DIC(K) President K Muraleedharan were not involved in the electioneering.

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