K C Venugopal says leaders denied tickets will get key roles if UDF wins in Kerala Assembly polls

Kochi, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal on Saturday said Congress leaders who were denied tickets for the upcoming Assembly elections would be accommodated in key positions if the UDF comes to power.

Addressing reporters here, Venugopal said several deserving leaders had sought tickets and conveyed their concerns to the party leadership, but only a final list approved by the central election panel could be accommodated.

"It is true that many eligible leaders were considered. However, those who did not get seats will be appropriately recognised when the UDF forms the government," he said.


He added that leaders who work sincerely for the victory of party candidates would be given due positions in the future.

Responding to a question on the use of his photographs in the campaign posters of many candidates, Venugopal said he had not asked anyone to include his image and described it as a common practice to feature prominent leaders in election materials.

He asserted that all Congress candidates in the fray represent not just individual leaders but the collective leadership, including V D Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala and others.

Venugopal also alleged an understanding between the CPI(M) and the BJP in certain constituencies, including in Palakkad, claiming that more details would emerge in the coming days.

He also reiterated his suspicions over the timing of the election announcement.

Dismissing criticism over the delay in candidate selection, he said the Congress had finalised its list promptly, adding that instances of candidates shifting constituencies, including sitting ministers of the ruling LDF, reflected the political dynamics ahead of the April 9 polls.