NEW DELHI: The AICC has decided to field Congress leader and Vattiyoorkavu MLA K Muraleedharan as the UDF candidate in Vadakara for the Lok Sabha polls. The congress central leadership considered his name as they wanted a strong candidate to face powerful P Jayarajan of the CPM. The congress finally decided to field T Siddique in Wayanad. Only an official announcement has to be made in this regard.

KPCC chief Mullappally Ramachandran said that Murali has agreed to contest after discussions were held. Murali is sure to win easily. The congress is sure to win in Vadakara if any candidate is fielded here. He is the best candidate. However, an official announcement has not been made. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi will make the announcement. When contacted, Murali said that he will contest if the party says. The race in Vadakara is seen as a fight against violent politics. I don’t think the selection of candidates would be a setback. I don’t look at my opponent, he said.

Muraleedharan’s candidacy will ensure the Congress's decisive influence in the Vadakara constituency. Politicians assess that Murali will be able to put up a strong fight against P Jayarajan. An intense fight will be witnessed in Vadakara.