Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 19 (PTI) Senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan on Sunday said he will give his opinion on the Chief Minister candidate only after May 4, when the Assembly election results are announced.
Responding to reporters on discussions within the Congress about potential Chief Minister candidates even before the results, Muraleedharan said there is sufficient time for such decisions after the outcome.
He said that once the results are declared, the opinions of MLAs and MPs would be sought to select the parliamentary party leader.
“There is no situation now where a decision has to be taken within 24 hours,” he said.
Muraleedharan added that he, too, has an opinion on the matter, but would share it only after May 4.
“Like others, I also have an opinion. But I will give it only after May 4. This is not the time to say it,” he said.
He said whoever is chosen by the party would serve as Kerala’s Chief Minister for five years.
Expressing confidence in a UDF victory, Muraleedharan said the front would not have to select a Leader of the Opposition this time, and that responsibility would fall on the CPI(M).
“Our term in that role for the past two occasions is over. The next term is for the CPI(M). Let them decide,” he said.
Muraleedharan also said that after Kerala, the CPI(M) is seriously contesting elections in West Bengal.
“We have no alliance with the CPI(M) in Bengal. Pinarayi Vijayan can go for campaigning there, but he has not gone. The reason is unknown. Maybe it is to avoid causing trouble for Modi there,” he said.
He added that as there is still time for the results, he is currently touring his constituency.
Muraleedharan contested from the Vattiyoorkavu constituency.
After several leaders expressed support for V D Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala and K S Venugopal as Chief Minister candidates, Muraleedharan had urged party leaders to refrain from such comments, saying it could create a negative impression among the public. PTI TBA TBA ROH
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