NEW DELHI: Congress central leadership has moved to nominate K Sudhakaran, the current MP in the Kannur Lok Sabha constituency, as the KPCC president and a candidate. This decision comes in response to the announcement of M V Jayarajan as the District Secretary by the CPM in Kannur, prompting the Congress to seek a strong contender. Sudhakaran's stance on this matter remains undisclosed, as he has refrained from commenting to the media.

Sudhakaran had previously requested the leadership to refrain from holding both the KPCC president and Lok Sabha MP positions simultaneously due to health concerns, following his recent return from medical treatment in the US. Other potential candidates considered include former Director General of Prosecution T. Asafali, party national spokesperson Shamam Mohammad and Youth Congress leader V.P. Abdul Rasheed.

While some within the Congress advocate for K C Venugopal, who won in Alappuzha during the 2009 and 2014 elections but did not contest in 2019 and currently serves as a member of the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan, Venugopal has declined, citing organizational responsibilities. The names of M Liju, Adv Anil Bose, and Shani Usman who contested in 2019 are being raised for Alappuzha.

If sitting MPs are nominated candidates in all 16 constituencies, including K Sudhakaran, it is suggested that Shanimol Usman be given another opportunity in Alappuzha to ensure Muslim representation. As Rahul Gandhi is expected to contest again in Wayanad, no alternative candidates are being considered.