Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Veteran Congress leader PJ Kurien on Saturday made it clear that while the Congress has many leaders capable of becoming chief minister, only three names are currently in serious consideration if the UDF comes to power in Kerala. He, however, chose not to disclose who those contenders are.Speaking to a TV channel, Kurien said that unlike the Left Front, the Congress has no shortage of qualified leaders. He added that whoever is chosen as chief minister, the decision will be accepted by everyone in the party, even if they personally disagree.He said he also has his own preference for the post, but would respect the party’s final decision.Kurien added that there is nothing wrong if someone wants or aspires to be chief minister, as it is a democratic system and everyone has the right to express their opinion.“After the results are announced on May 4 and the UDF wins, the high command will intervene, the opinions of the state leadership and MLAs will be sought and a final decision will be taken on who shall be the CM. That will be unanimously accepted by everyone in the party,” he said.He also clarified that none of the senior leaders, including KC Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala and VD Satheesan, have publicly expressed a desire to become chief minister , and said it is the media that has fuelled such speculation.On exit polls, Kurien said the UDF would win with a much bigger majority than predicted, claiming there is strong anti-incumbency among voters who want a change in government.Several exit polls have indicated a close contest between the ruling LDF and the UDF, pointing towards the possibility of a hung Assembly, though most give a slight edge to the UDF.Kerala went to polls in a single phase on April 9 across all 140 constituencies, with results expected on May 4.
