Crossword Genius

Elected communist, one with controversial ideas (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

infidel

'one with controversial ideas' is the definition.
(someone who does not accept a particular religion)

'elected communist' is the wordplay.
'elected' becomes 'in' (in government).
'communist' becomes 'Fidel' (Fidel Castro, Cuban communist leader).
'in'+'fidel'='INFIDEL'

(Other definitions for infidel that I've seen before include "Person who has no faith, or the wrong one" , "I don't believe" , "Person who does not believe in a religion" , "Person rejecting a specific religion" , "Heathen" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.