Congress leader PJ Kurien

New Delhi: Veteran Congress leader PJ Kurien on Saturday made it clear that though the Congress has many leaders capable of becoming the Chief Minister, only three names are currently under serious consideration if the UDF comes to power in Kerala. However, he chose not to reveal who those contenders are.Speaking to a TV channel, Kurien said that unlike the Left Front, Congress has no dearth of capable leaders. He said that no matter who is chosen as Chief Minister, the decision will be accepted by everyone in the party, even if they personally disagree.He said that he also has his own choice for this post, but he will respect the final decision of the party.Kurien said there is nothing wrong if someone wants or aspires to become the chief minister, as this is a democratic system and everyone has the right to express their opinion.He said, “After the results are declared on May 4 and the UDF wins, the high command will intervene, the opinion of the state leadership and MLAs will be sought and a final decision will be taken on who will be the CM. It will be accepted unanimously by everyone in the party.”He also clarified that no senior leader, including KC Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala and VD Satheesan, has publicly expressed his desire to become chief minister, and said it is the media that has fueled such speculations.On exit polls, Kurien said the UDF would win with a much larger majority than anticipated, claiming there was a strong anti-incumbency wave among voters wanting a change in the government.Several exit polls have indicated a tight contest between the ruling LDF and the UDF, pointing to the possibility of a hung assembly, although most give the UDF a slight lead.Voting took place in all 140 constituencies in Kerala in a single phase on April 9, with the results expected on May 4.