Expelled Congress leader P. Sarin is expected to contest as an independent candidate with CPI(M) backing in the Palakkad assembly bypolls. An official announcement regarding this is expected by Saturday.
Sarin, who was expelled from the primary membership of the Congress on Thursday for rebelling against the party over its decision to field Rahul Mamkootathil in the bypolls, said he is beginning his new innings in politics in every way possible. He further said he is not somebody who should be facing political alienation.
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Sarin had visited Minister M.B. Rajesh on Friday morning, and later he arrived at the CPI(M) district committee office, where he was accorded a grand welcome.
Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader A.K. Balan said the party gave Sarin a grand welcome at the district office not as a candidate, and added that the announcement regarding the candidature will be declared by party state secretary M. V. Govindan.
Congress had said the party was expelling Sarin for serious anti-party activities and indiscipline.
Sarin had levelled some damning allegations against the Congress. He had said, "The party is in the hands of a caucus. They do not give space to the party workers to express their opinions. (Opposition leader V.D.) Satheesan has an 'I am the party' attitude."
Sarin, who was the Congress party's digital media convenor before his expulsion, had also praised the CPI(M) for having a systematic party structure that prioritises the party over individuals.