THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There are hints that congress chief Rahul Gandhi will contest from one more constituency in Kerala in addition to Amethi in the Lok Sabha polls. It is heard that the state will keep Wayanad, the winning seat of the UDF, apart for the chief. Discussions are underway in this regard. Unconfirmed reports say that crucial discussions will be held with Rahul Gandhi in Kochi today.

There are reports that Union Minister Smriti Irani will be fielded against Rahul in Amethi. In that case, it will be a tough fight. Following that, reports came that Rahul will contest from one safer constituency.

Names of many to be fielded in Wayanad were heard. However, no one confirmed it and the leaders did not make any claim on the seat. It has been speculated that most probably it would be because the seat would be kept for Rahul. The leaders also calculate that if Rahul contest in Kerala the party can achieve a big win. The leadership is trying their best to get maximum number of seats from Kerala.

When Rahul arrives to attend the party leadership meet at Marine Drive in Kochi today, he will hold talks with the leaders of the party. There will also be a preliminary discussion on the Congress’ candidates list. The leadership is planning to reach a consensus on the list before KPCC chief Mullappally Ramahcandran begins his Kerala Yatra.

Meantime, it is almost clear that former chief minister Oommen Chandy will contest in the Kottayam seat. Instead, Idukki seat will be given to Kerala Congress Mani group. As a Rajya Sabha seat has been given to Mani group, Joseph faction of the Mani group may demand this seat. P J Joseph will be the candidate in Idukki. A seat for his son has also come up. If Joseph wins the seat, his son may be a candidate in the vacant Thodupuzha assembly constituency.

It is heard KPCC member Subbayyarai will contest from Kasargod, K Sudhakaran in Kannur, V M Sudheeran in Chalakudy and Adoor Prakash from Attingal. T Siddique will contest in Vatakara instead of Mullappally.