CPM to contest by-elections in 17 seats

Communist Party of India (Marxist) state secretary Bv Raghavulu on Friday announced that his party would contest in the by-elections for 17 Assembly segments, which fell vacant due to the disqualification of rebel Congress MLAs.

However, a final decision would be taken based on the outcome of by-elections to be held on March 19.

Talking to media persons, Raghavulu said the party would field its candidates in the constituencies where the party has a strong base. In some constituencies, where the party is weak, it will support the candidates of other left parties. The party would take a decision on supporting other party candidates, in the event of unavailability of left party candidates, after the withdrawal of nominations.