New Delhi: Former Lok Sabha MP and Left sympathiser Dr Sebastian Paul revealed that BJP had offered him candidature in the 2021 Kerala Assembly elections and also a Rajya Sabha seat if he failed. He revealed the same in his autobiographical book 'Ente Kalam Ente Lokam' (My Time, My World) that will be released on Thursday.

The BJP messenger also offered a Rajya Sabha seat in case if he loses the Assembly poll. "You will be an ex-MP in six years, he told me. I already am, I replied," he wrote in the book.

Sebastian Paul has also narrated the 'lost opportunities' of his professional career and political life. Ministerial berths in Union and state governments were slipped between cup and lips.

CPM decided to back the United Front in 1996 but stayed out of the ministry. But the party wanted a man inside as it often was kept out of the loop. Since Sebastian Paul was an independent MP, there were rumours about CPM recommending him to the cabinet. It would have been realised if the ministry had continued, it is pointed out in the book.

Similar talks happened during the period of the UPA-I government as well. But the party's relation with Congress turned unpleasant very soon. When CPM dismissed T J Anjalose from the party, news reports suggested that the party may induct Paul to the cabinet. But it did not happen.

Former CM K Karunakaran considered suggesting Paul to the collegium to select him as a High Court judge. There have been no Latin-Catholic judges in the history of Kerala HC. However, the government fell due to the ISRO espionage case before Karunakaran made any move.

Sebastian Paul said he was almost certain about his candidature in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. However, CPM decided otherwise. "I don't know why CPM chose to deny me the ticket," he wrote.

Sebastian Paul contested six elections in 7 years (1997-2004), to Lok Sabha and Niyamasabha. He won four of them and lost in two.