"I don't want to jeopardise relationships, open to Rajya Sabha nomination": IM Vijayan on avoiding electoral politics

THRISSUR: Indian footballer I.M. Vijayan has revealed that an emissary of the Prime Minister visited his home to invite him to contest the assembly elections. "I have made it clear that I will not contest," he stated. "However, if I am nominated as a Rajya Sabha MP—much like P.T. Usha—I am ready to accept it. I would accept such an offer regardless of which party provides it."

"Union Minister Suresh Gopi has also insisted that I run, and representatives from other parties have made similar requests," he added. "I maintain good relationships with all parties, and I do not want to jeopardise that."

Reflecting on his career and political ties, Vijayan noted, "I was first given a job in the police when K. Karunakaran was Chief Minister. Later, when I moved to a club in Kolkata, I resigned from the force. Upon my return, I met then-Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, who helped me get my job back. Later, when I met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and made a request, he granted me a promotion. Furthermore, the BJP-led central government honored me with the Padma Shri. For these reasons, I have no intention of falling out with anyone."