In a decision that came as a shock to the TDP, the CPM said it has decided to put up candidates in two of the seven assembly constituencies which will have by-polls on March 18.

CPM state secretary Raghavulu told media persons in Hyderabad today it would put up candidates in Mahaboobnagar and Kovur constituencies and decide on the other constituencies shortly.

“We have decided to contest at both Mahaboobnagar and Kovur constituencies in principle and a final decision would be made in a day or two,” said Raghavulu, adding his party has decided to support only leftist candidates in the forthcoming by elections.

TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu has been of late talking in terms of contesting the by polls with the support of the CPM and CPI but the decision of the CPM has come as a shock to the TDP leaders and cadres. It may be recalled that CPM allied with TDP in the 2009 elections and had received severe drubbing in the polls.

We have to wait and see if CPI Narayana also will deliver a shock to Naidu by announcing its candidates in some of the seven segments. (JUBS)