Decision on Rahul Gandhi anytime

Thiruvananthapuram: AICC spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala on Tuesday said three southern states had requested Congress president Rahul Gandhi to contest and it was under consideration. Congress leaders in Kerala were expecting an announcement on this on Wednesday, and his response was to reporters who wanted a confirmation during his briefing on Nyay, the minimum income guarantee scheme, at the party headquarters in Delhi.

“The people, Congress leaders and workers of the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka have urged and have showered their blessings and affection on to the Congress president asking him to contest from one of the three states," he said.

“Congress party doesn't reject when such affection and blessings come from the heart of the people and workers. As and when the party takes a call, I will be happy to inform you.”

Senior leader Oommen Chandy said he was expecting the announcement on Mr Gandhi contesting from Wayanad on Tuesday. But since that hasn’t happened, he's hoping to hear on Wednesday.

“If he contests from Wayanad, it will reflect all over south India,” the Congress Working Committee (CWC) member told DC.

“AICC leadership was also keen to field the Congress president from South India. I am expecting the announcement to come on Wednesday.”

State unit chief Mullappally Ramacha- ndran said that the invitation to Mr Gandhi to contest from Wayanad was after a unanimous decision taken by the state leadership.

Notably, Wayanad is not on the campaign itinerary of CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury while Prakash Karat, Brinda Karat and S. Ramachandran Pillai are scheduled to address conventions there.