New Delhi: And, who is that “robust” candidate Congress seeks to field in Nemom? The answer is still evading the two khadi-clad men despite long-drawn heated debates on the topic, in their two days of camping in Kerala House, Delhi. On their part, news channels are thickening up suspense rolling and replacing names constantly. Some media houses, by sensationalising the ‘hunt for robust name', seek to help Congress cover-up the debilitation caused by heavyweight quitters including PC Chacko.
Mullappally was first to make the bombastic claim of High Command demanding ‘robust’ candidate for outright confrontation with BJP in Nemom. According to reliable sources, Mullappally secretly divulged to select reporters the High Command’s wish for Ramesh Chennithala or Oomen Chandy for the role. However, with ‘secret’ morphing into breaking news, Oomen Chandy and Chennithala quickly sniffed the danger ahead. Chennithala was first to put his foot down saying, he would not contest from Nemom. Pressed for details, Chennithala told media he was contesting from all 140 constituencies after all, given his position as Opposition leader.
Following this, rumours became rife about Oomen Chandy descending on Nemom. Certain “A” group elements had provided the “Exclusive” to the news media. Oomen Chandy too dodged the prospect soon enough, categorically denying the 'exclusive'. . As he stepped out of Kerala House on way to Screening Committee he said, “I have been in Puthupally for past 50 years and will continue to be there”.
Incidentally, K Muraleedharan hinted willingness to contest. “Being an MP I could give Nemom a try’, he suggested . That desire was quickly doused by Oomen Chandy and Chennithala combined who said, sitting MPs need not come around this time.
Meanwhile, Mullappally repeated his claim of a “robust” Nemom candidate, the identity of who would likely be spelt out today, Friday.
