Agartala, May 3 (TIWN): Aiming to reach on a consensus over the replacement of RD Minister Jitendra Chowdhury, the CPM state secretariat members would hold meeting here on May 16 next, according to party sources.

The suitable replacement of Mr. Chowdhury, who has proven his skill in handling two three major departments- RD, Forest and Industries and Commerce, has become necessity as he looks set to appear victory in the East Tripura Lok Sabha constituency with huge margin.

Once, Chowdhury gets elected, he is bound to resign from the Left Front government to take oath of office and Member of Parliament (MP).

“The party’s highest policy making body- the state secretariat is going to meet on May 16 next to pick a suitable alternative to Chowdhury, a senior tribal leader of the state”, said a senior party leader on condition of anonymity here today.

He indicated the matter was discussed in the recently concluded CPM state committee meeting but it endorsed the state secretariat to pick a right choice in absence of Chowdhury.

On being asked about the potential nominees for the race, he, however, declined to pass any comment on the sensitive issue. Sources in the party said, names of former minister Pranab Debbarma, ADC Chief Dr.  Ranjit Debbarma and Bijoy Laxmi Singh are in the air. There are indications Chief Minister might reallocate distribute after induction of one minister shortly after the announcement of Lok Sabha election results.   

Party leadership, however, admitted it would not be an easy task to make a suitable replacement for Chowdury who has successful handled three major departments apart from strengthening organization in Sabroom subdivision.