Kerala Congress(M) MLA Joseph M.Puthusserry, who has been denied the party ticket in the Assembly polls, has said that he will not be contesting the elections.
There was apprehension in the KC(M) camp that Mr. Puthusserry may contest as an Independent from Thiruvalla, marring the prospects of party candidate Victor T.Thomas
In a statement here on Friday, he said there had been demands from different quarters urging him to contest as an Independent from Thiruvalla, protesting against the denial of the party ticket to him.
Mr. Puthusserry is the only KC(M) MLA who had been denied the ticket in the Assembly elections. The Malankara Orthodox Church and certain other social organisations had taken strong exception to the KC(M) decision.
Mr. Puthusserry said the overwhelming reaction of the common man who expressed their resentment against the KC(M) leadership's decision was a testimony to his public acceptance and mass support in the constituency.
He said he decided not to contest from Thiruvalla as it involved huge financial burden and various other practical difficulties. However, Mr. Puthusserry clarified that his political stance and ideology still remained unchanged.
He represented the Kallooppara Assembly segment, which had been annexed to the Thiruvalla and Ranni constituencies in the recent delimitation.
