Asserting that Congress would contest all the 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu, PCC chief B S Gnanadesikan today said the official list of candidates would be released next week.
Putting up a brave front after several senior leaders including Union Minister G K Vasan opted out of poll race, Gnanadesikan said his party would face the electorate based on the "solid work delivered by the UPA" in every sector.
Addressing a press conference here after a week-long sojourn in Delhi to shortlist candidates, the TNCC chief on the reluctance of several leaders to not contest said "such a view was not correct" as several leaders were needed to campaign and tour the state.
"I had requested ticket for Dindigul seat...However, the high command has declined my plea...I will not contest. I will be focusing on campaign."
Asked if Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram would contest, he declined to answer.
On the recommendation made by Virudhunagar MP Manicka Tagore that those who decline to contest must not be given a chance to fight polls for the next 10 years, he said, "I am not aware."
Hitting out at BJP and its allies in Tamil Nadu as a "collection of parties with conflicting ideologies," he said his party viewed as a "boon" the opportunity to fight elections alone.
