Senior Congress leader and former Rajya Sabha deputy chairman PJ Kurien on Wednesday said that he did not wish to contest the upcoming Assembly elections in Kerala.
“I am not interested in fighting elections this time. If the party asks me, I will have to use my personal freedom (as a reason to opt out). I have that right. Youngsters should get opportunities,” he said.
The former deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha was speculated to be among senior Congress leaders who would contest the assembly elections. Kurien belongs to Pathanamthitta district and is being considered by the party for one among the five seats in the district.
While there are some who argue that fielding Kurien in a difficult seat could turn the tide in favour for the Congress considering his long political innings and influence among voters, others say youngsters must be given opportunities in the electoral arena as part of building a second tier of leadership.
Kurien has been a two-time Rajya Sabha MP and six-time Lok Sabha MP. He was also a Union Minister from 1991-93 and 1995-96.