Thiruvananthapuram: Former MLA PC Vishnunath is not keen on contesting the upcoming byelection to the Chengannur Assembly constituency. He has already informed the state and central party leadership about his decision.
He also expressed hope that his decision will be accepted by the party leadership. Vishnunath cited the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections as a reason for backing out of the fray.
He has informed the party leadership that since he is in-charge of 49 constituencies in Karnataka which is going to polls soon, it is not right on his part to shift focus elsewhere. Hence the decision to stay away from the bypolls in Chengannur, he told the party leadership.
"Got an opportunity to fight polls in Chengannur thrice. The loss last time happened under special circumstances. But the situation has changed, and it is now in favour of the Congress. I am sure that Chengannur will vote for a Congress candidate," he said.
Vishnunath had met senior leaders AK Antony, Ramesh Chennithala and MM Hassan to explain his stance. Earlier, he had informed party's national president Rahul Gandhi and AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka KC Venjugopal about his decision.
Vishnunath's decision comes at a time when the party was in favour of fielding him again in Chengannur.