<p>In debut into national politics, Kerala former chief minister Oommen Chandy is likely to contest in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.</p>.<p>A 10-time MLA and two-time chief minister, Chandy has left the decision on his candidature to the Congress high command, after expressing initial reluctance. </p>.<p>Political analysts feel that the Congress leadership would be more than happy to field Chandy in the fray as he is a highly winnable candidate owing to his popularity. Chandy shifting to national politics could be a relief for the Congress 'I' group in Kerala, led by Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala.</p>.<p>Chandy, a Congress A-group leader, could be an obstacle for Chennithala's chief ministerial aspirations, sources said, provided the Congress-led UDF wins in the next Kerala Assembly elections. This, however, could be avoided if Chandy shifts to national politics. </p>.<p>Meanwhile, the suggestion that Chandy may contest from Kottayam or Idukki district has not gone down well with the Kerala Congress (Mani), a coalition partner of the Congress-led UDF, as that party was staking claim to these two constituencies.</p>.<p>Candidate selection in the Congress camps in the state has gained momentum. Prominent persons who almost ensured their sitting seats are: Shashi Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram, K C Venugopal in Alappuzha and Kodikunnil Suresh in Mavelikara.</p>
<p>In debut into national politics, Kerala former chief minister Oommen Chandy is likely to contest in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.</p>.<p>A 10-time MLA and two-time chief minister, Chandy has left the decision on his candidature to the Congress high command, after expressing initial reluctance. </p>.<p>Political analysts feel that the Congress leadership would be more than happy to field Chandy in the fray as he is a highly winnable candidate owing to his popularity. Chandy shifting to national politics could be a relief for the Congress 'I' group in Kerala, led by Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala.</p>.<p>Chandy, a Congress A-group leader, could be an obstacle for Chennithala's chief ministerial aspirations, sources said, provided the Congress-led UDF wins in the next Kerala Assembly elections. This, however, could be avoided if Chandy shifts to national politics. </p>.<p>Meanwhile, the suggestion that Chandy may contest from Kottayam or Idukki district has not gone down well with the Kerala Congress (Mani), a coalition partner of the Congress-led UDF, as that party was staking claim to these two constituencies.</p>.<p>Candidate selection in the Congress camps in the state has gained momentum. Prominent persons who almost ensured their sitting seats are: Shashi Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram, K C Venugopal in Alappuzha and Kodikunnil Suresh in Mavelikara.</p>
