KOZHIKODE: The Popular Front of India (PFI), an organisation floated by the former NDF along with ‘Manitha Neethi Pasarai’ in Tamil Nadu and ‘Karnata Forum for Dignity’ in Karnataka, is seriously considering the possibility of throwing its hat into the ring in the coming Lok Sabha elections.
After conducting indepth studies in various constituencies in the state, the organisation has come to the conclusion that there are a few seats in the state other than Malappuram and Ponnani where Muslims have a role in deciding the fate of the candidates, sources said. Chalakkudy and Ernakulam are such seats, traditionally considered the strongholds of the Christian community.
The national political conference of the PFI, held here last month, decided that the organisation should desist from negative voting. But as things stand now, the PFI may be forced to go for strategic voting as it will not be fielding candidates in all the constituencies.
The PFI has decided to ensure the defeat of Congress candidates Shashi Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram and K V Thomas in Ernakulam. According to sources, the PFI sees Tharoor as an agent of the US and Thomas had once received former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. However, UDF candidates M I Shanawaz, E Ahmed and E T Muhammad Basheer will have the outfit’s support.
In Thiruvananthapuram, the PFI will weigh the pros and cons and see that the BJP does not take advantage of the confusion.
Sources said agents of various political parties have already sought the PFI’s support.
But the outfit has decided that official leadership of parties should openly seek support if they are keen on getting the PFI votes.
The PFI constituent KFD contested the recently held elections to the Karnataka Assembly. The PFI is fielding candidates in Karnataka this time.