THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the by-election in the Kuttanad constituency is on the cards, the UDF is all set to take a decision on its candidate. According to sources, the Congress is likely to take up the seat after holding discussions with Kerala Congress Jose and Joseph groups. Though the Joseph group is likely to raise a claim for the seat, Congress might request them to back off by offering another seat in exchange.

According to sources, the Congress wants to contest in the by-election in order to ensure a victory ahead of the upcoming local body and assembly elections. Apart from opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, KPCC President Mullappally Ramachandran and Oommen Chandy, Muslim league leaders PK Kunhalikutty and MK Muneer have also taken part in a discussion with the leaders of Jose and Joseph group. At the same time, rumours are spreading that Congress is considering the names of Joseph Vazhackan, Tomy Kallani, Jose Sebastian and Saji Joseph as its potential candidates in the constituency. The name of DCC president M Liju is also being considered as the party might look to introduce a member from the Ezhava community to the assembly.