No decision on Kannur, Konni; only three candidates announced in Thiruvananthapuram, Congress skips disputed seats in first list 

NEW DELHI: The Congress party has released its first list of candidates for the Assembly elections, leaving out the constituencies where there are disputes. Many seats are still under discussion in this crucial election. Kannur and Konni are not included in the first list. MPs K Sudhakaran and Adoor Prakash have shown interest in contesting from these seats. However, the party high command is firm in its decision that MPs should not contest.

In Thiruvananthapuram district, candidates have been announced only in three constituencies. Sitting MLA M Vincent will contest from Kovalam. Former MLA K Muraleedharan will contest from Vattiyoorkavu. Ramya Haridas has been chosen to contest from Chirayinkeezhu, despite strong local opposition. The party has not announced candidates in Nemom and Kazhakkoottam. These are constituencies where the BJP has a strong influence. Many leaders are not interested in contesting from Nemom, which has become a challenge for the party.

In Ernakulam district, several constituencies are still facing internal disagreements. Ramesh Chennithala has expressed dissatisfaction over removing Eldhose Kunnappilly from Perumbavoor. K. C. Venugopal is in favour of fielding M. Liju in Thrippunithura, but V. D. Satheesan has not supported this move.

In Aranmula, Ramesh Chennithala is backing Abin Varkey to contest against Minister Veena George. However, the party leadership is hesitant because of local opposition to Abin. In Kochi, the confusion continues as the party has not yet decided between Deepthi Mary Varghese and DCC president M. Shiyas for the candidature.