NEW DELHI: With Oommen Chandy making it clear that he will not contest in another constituency apart from Puthuppally, the rumors that K Muraleedharan could be the powerful candidate to enter the fray have intensified. After Oommen Chandy informed that he will not contest in two seats, the High Command has summoned Muraleedharan to Delhi at night. KPCC president Mullappally Ramachandran in Delhi had held consultations with the High Command to find a replacement if Oommen Chandy is not available for the post. It is learned that Muraleedharan was summoned to Delhi after this. K Muraleedharan will leave for Delhi tomorrow morning. In the absence of Oommen Chandy, K Muraleedharan, who had offered to contest in Nemom, is likely to be considered again. Leaders said the party had fielded candidates in 81 constituencies and only 10 constituencies, including Nemom, were not finalized. However, it is learned that the list of candidates was changed yesterday as well.

Earlier, K Muraleedharan had said that he would take up any challenge if asked by the party. He has never said that he will contest if he becomes the Chief Minister candidate. I'm not the one who crawls and asks for a seat. Neither AICC members nor Oommen Chandy, Mullappally or Chennithala have asked him if I am ready to contest. And I don't know how the news came about that he was willing to compete. However, Muraleedharan had said that he would contest if the party asks him to.