Thiruvananthapuram, March 11 (NationPress) A number of current Lok Sabha representatives from the Congress party have shown interest in participating in the forthcoming Assembly elections in Kerala, as they believe that the Congress-led UDF might genuinely have a chance to regain power after nearly ten years in the opposition.

Senior party figures are optimistic that the positive political environment could lead to success, encouraging many MPs to consider a return to state politics with the aim of securing roles in a prospective state Cabinet.

The prospect of notable MPs joining the Assembly race has also sparked new tensions within the party's state leadership.

The discussion has gained momentum following speculations that K.C. Venugopal might run for a seat in the Assembly polls.

In addition to previous signals from K. Sudhakaran and Adoor Prakash, more MPs, including M.K. Raghavan, Kodikunnil Suresh, and Shafi Parambil, have indicated their readiness to compete.

Sudhakaran, in particular, is keen on obtaining a seat, and party insiders worry that denying him a ticket could provoke a significant internal backlash.

Meanwhile, a majority of state leaders have expressed strong concerns about allowing MPs to enter the Assembly elections.

They argue that relocating sitting MPs to the state assembly could dilute the party's influence in Parliament and lead to unnecessary bye-elections should they secure Assembly positions.

This matter is set to be discussed by the Congress election committee, which will convene in New Delhi to finalize the initial batch of candidates.

Engagements with the party's high command are anticipated to result in a general agreement on the preliminary candidate list.

Party officials suggest that as many as 60 candidates may be revealed in the first list.

A decision will also be made regarding whether MPs will be allowed to vie for Assembly seats.

The state leadership prefers to maintain current MLAs in their constituencies, particularly in significant areas like Perumbavoor and Sultan Bathery.

However, as numerous senior MPs advocate for their claims, and the party leadership balances electoral prospects against organizational considerations, the final composition of the Congress candidate list is expected to hinge on how the high command navigates these competing interests.

In the 140-member Kerala Assembly, the Congress typically contests between 90 to 95 seats, depending on its alliances.

Currently, the Congress holds 22 seats in the Assembly, with one expelled member.