MOSCOW: Russia’s Communists on Tuesday appealed to President Vladimir Putin in an open letter accusing Kremlin “provocateurs” of running a smear campaign against their presidential candidate.

The Communist Party chose a new face for the March 18 polls, opting for businessman Pavel Grudinin rather than veteran leader Gennady Zyuganov.

The party complains that Grudinin has faced a barrage of negative coverage in state-controlled and pro-Kremlin media, focusing on his foreign bank accounts and property.

In an open letter to Putin, Communist leader Zyuganov complained that “provocateurs close to the Kremlin” were “using the most unworthy methods to blacken the leading opposition party that is supported by millions of voters.”

He urged the Kremlin to “rein in” such mud-slingers and prevent them causing “mayhem” on Russian television channels, in order to ensure a “free choice for citizens.”

Zyuganov praised Grudinin, who is currently backed by seven percent of Russians according to VTsIOM state pollsters, calling him a “man who has shown wonderful results in economic and social development.”

Analysts say the Kremlin is concerned Grudinin, the likely runner-up, could do better than expected and take votes away from Putin.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2018