KOZHIKODE: Congress leader K Muraleedharan has said that organised efforts were made to field Oommen Chandy in Nemom. “Oommen Chandy has never even thought about changing his constituency. I have intimate family ties with Vatiyoorkavu. The same is what Oommen Chandy have with Puthupally and Ramesh Chennithala with Harippad,” Muraleedharan said.

“If Oommen Chandy is fielded in Nemom with the intention to win the constituency, then Congress will lose Puthupally forever. If Oommen Chandy gives up Puthupally then it will reflect in the polls. Therefore I can’t agree with dragging Oommen Chandy’s name to Nemom. Even if he is shifted to Nemom, its repercussions would be felt in Puthupally. Instead of Congress taking up the Nemom seat the party gave unnecessary build-up saying the most powerful leader will come to take up the seat. Now even if a state leader is fielded on the seat, LDF will say that he/ she is not a strong candidate compared to the personality clout of Oommen Chandy and Ramesh Chennithala who were considered for the constituency earlier. They will also allege the candidature as an indication of the Congress-BJP nexus,” Muraleedharan said.

“Now a strong candidate is needed, only 24 hours are left now. The decision must come at least by tomorrow. High command has not asked me whether I am ready to contest from Nemom. I am not that cheap to ask for chief minister’s post in return for entering into the poll fray in Nemom. I am ready to take up any challenge but will not ask for any reward,” he added.