Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress state leadership will ask its High Command to let veteran leader and former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy contest from the Idukki constituency. Chandy’s candidacy found much favour during discussions held here despite his reluctance. The party's candidate screening committee will deliberate over the list at 11am in Delhi.
If Chandy decides not to contest, either Joseph Vazhakkan or Dean Kuriakose might be chosen for Idukki.
Shanimol Usman’s selection for the Alappuzha seat increased after AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal opted out of the race owing to organisational responsibilities. But he could be given the safe seat of Wayanad, considering his busy schedule. Even the Muslim League, a Congress ally, wants Venugopal to contest.
The Congress shortlist includes four MLAs including Chandy.
Interestingly, AP Anil Kumar, MLA, found his way on to the list amid dramatic moves. Shafi Parambil, MLA, is also under consideration for the Palakkad seat along with VK Sreekandan. Adoor Prakash, MLA, is the only name suggested for Attingal.
T Siddique might be picked for Vadakara as KPCC chief Mullappally Ramachandran has opted out owing to organisational responsibilities.
The list being considered today by the screening panel was prepared after Chandy, Mullappally and Ramesh Chennithala held discussions with top state leaders and election committees.
All sitting MPs, including Venugopal, will find a place in the list. The screening panel will decide if someone needs to be held back.
K Muraleedharan MLA's name was included after his formal request to contest from Wayanad, a constituency most number of Congress leaders have favoured.
Congress Probables' List
Thiruvananthapuram: Shashi Tharoor
Attingal: Adoor Prakash
Mavelikkara: Kodikunnil Suresh
Pathanamthitta: Anto Antony
Alappuzha: KC Venugopal or Shanimol Usman
Idukki: Oommen Chandy, Joseph Vazhakkan or Dean Kuriakose
Ernakulam: KV Thomas
Thrissur: VM Sudheeran, TN Prathapan or KP Dhanapalan
Chalakkudy: Benny Behanan, VJ Paulose or Mathew Kuzhalnadan
Alathur: AP Anil Kumar, Ramya Haidas or A Sreelal
Palakkad: VK Sreekandan, Shafi Parambil or Lathika Subhash
Vadakara: Mullappally Ramachandran or T Siddique
Kozhikode: MK Raghavan
Kannur: K Sudhakaran
Wayanad: T Siddique, Shanimol Usman, K Muralidharan, MM Hassan or T Asaf Ali
Kasaragod: B Subbaiah Rai.
