Former Kerala Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Oommen Chandy recently addressed speculations of him contesting in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Speaking to media persons in Kasaragod, Chandy said that he will wait for the High Command to make a decision.

“There have been no discussions on the candidates who will contest for the Lok Sabha elections. Let the discussions happen first. In the coming days, the party will discuss this,” he said.

When asked if he will contest the 2019 polls if the High Commands asks him, he said, “first let them make such an offer,” indicating that he is not opposed to the idea. It has been speculated that Chandy would be the Congress candidate from Kottayam.

Chandy’s current stance veers from his earlier one.  A two time Chief Minister of the state incumbent MLA in Puthupally, Chandy had previously stated that sitting MLAs need not contest and he himself will not contest in Lok Sabha elections.

Several senior Congress leaders have spoken in favour of Chandy contesting in the upcoming polls. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President Mulapally Ramachadran reiterated that Chandy is a good candidate, adding that he would win no matter which constituency he contests from.

AICC general sectary Mukul Wasnik, who held a meeting with senior Congress leaders from Kerala this week, said that the High Command would take a decision on the candidates, only after consulting party stake holders (khadagangal).