Sitting Cong MLAs may not get tickets in LS polls

The high command was of the firm view that the party should not field candidates at the expense of losing an MLA. Newly appointed working president H Vasanthakumar, who had unsuccessfully contested in Kanniyakumari against incumbent Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan in 2014 and who was touted to the favourite to get the ticket this time could be among the casualties of the unwritten new rule.

In the same breath, party whip S Vijayadharini, was also learnt to be vying for the coastal seat, the only constituency bordering Kerala where the national party could muster voters support without the assistance of the Dravidian parties. Both the MLAs were understood to have made the moves to secure the ticket.

However, sources familiar with the AICC deliberations, said the rule could be a spoiler. “The two MLAs have approached their contacts in New Delhi. One MLA has even planned to take Chidambaram’s help,” said a PCC member requesting anonymity.

Significantly, the rule seems to apply also to the five working presidents appointed to manage the party affairs. Ironically, the situation could work to the advantage of immediate past TNCC president Su Thirunavukkarasar, who was eyeing Ramanathapuram or Perambalur constituency till a week ago. “The party might find it hard to decline his request after showing him the door a week ago. AICC could oblige him,” another leader requesting anonymity added. However, some former MPs like Manick Tagore and Sudarshana Natchiappan, who have the wherewithal to fight the money and muscle of the rival front led by ruling AIADMK might stand to gain from the rule, more so given that ally leader DMK was concerned about Congress choice of candidates.