KURNOOL: Minister for Minor Irrigation M. Mareppa reacted sharply to the charge that he supported an independent in ward 31 in the city and said the unilateral behaviour of the selection committee caused confusion.

Speaking to reporters here on Sunday, Mr. Mareppa said that he had not supported the independent, Danamma, but the demonstration by Congress official candidate Hemalatha at the party office against him on Saturday was the handiwork of some of the leaders.

Unpopular candidates

Mr. Mareppa alleged that the six-man selection committee picked up unpopular candidates in some areas ignoring the local leaders, who had long association with the party.

Some remained in the fray as rebels, who had close access to leaders of the party. The previous association with the leaders, the popularity of rebels caused confusion in some places. The problem had arisen in several places and not in ward 31 alone.

Goodwill of party

Mr. Mareppa said though the official candidates were weak in some places, because of the goodwill of the Congress Party, voters' extended overwhelming support in the elections.

He hoped that the party would win all five municipalities in the district. The Minister said that he had made serious efforts to convince rebels to retire from the contest. He said the CPI(M) would pay a serious price for not aligning with the Congress in the election.

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