Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress hopes to complete its selection of candidates for the Kerala Assembly elections by Saturday. However, many things regarding the choice of candidates remain contentious.
The Election Committee which met with party president Sonia Gandhi in the chair on Friday completed selection of candidates for about 50 per cent of the seats in which the Congress would be contesting. Choice of candidates for about 10 seats remains highly contentious including the sitting seats of tainted ministers.
KPCC president V. M. Sudheeran told the media that there was good progress in candidate selection. The Election Committee meeting tomorrow would be able to finalise candidates for the remaining seats. However, talks with UDF constituents would have to be completed before candidates for all seats could be decided upon.
Talks are taking place over phone and it is hoped that screening committee meeting tomorrow morning could vet candidates for rest of the constituencies for which multiple choices remain.
Meanwhile, the High Court rejected case filed by Revenue Minister Adoor Prakash against quick verification of allegations against him ordered by Vigilance Court, Muvattupuzha. This has reduced his chances for candidature. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy is adamant that K. Babu and Benny Behanan, who also faced allegations, should be in the list. He is also pressing for candidature of K. C. Joseph from Irrikur. Decisions have been arrived at in most of the sitting seats in favour of sitting members.
The Congress high command has asked T. N. Pratapan, who had volunteered to keep out of the arena, has been asked to reach Delhi. The indication is that he is likely to be fielded in the elections from Kaipamangalam. Padmaja Venugopal may get ticket for Thrissur and Aryadan Shoukath for Nilambur. T. Siddiq may get Kunnamangalam.
Roji John may be fielded from Ankamali seat which the Congress had denied to Kerala Congress (Jacob). The party has expressed strong protest over denial of a second seat to the party.