Thiruvananthapuram: Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Sunday said the opposition UDF is fully prepared for the upcoming Kerala Assembly election and that the front would announce its candidates soon after the poll schedule is declared.

Speaking to reporters here, Chennithala said many had expected the announcement of the election dates in the first week of March.

He said the release of the candidates' list of the Congress-led UDF has been delayed as the Election Commission of India is yet to announce the poll schedule.

Chennithala said the UDF has completed all preparations for the elections and expressed confidence that the state is ready for a political change.

"Kerala is all set, and we are also set. The state is ready for a political change," he said.

Asked whether Members of Parliament should contest the Assembly polls, Chennithala said the final decision would be taken by the party high command.

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"There is nothing wrong in anyone expressing the desire to contest the elections. However, the party will decide what needs to be done in such matters," he said in response to a question about Congress veteran K Sudhakaran's reported interest in contesting the Assembly polls.

The Congress leader also said he had spoken to Sudhakaran and that he would travel to Delhi on Monday.

"I spoke to Sudhakaran yesterday. He will reach Delhi on Monday and we will discuss the matter. There are no particular issues," Chennithala added.

The Election Commission will announce dates for assembly polls in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal and Puducherry on Sunday evening.

The poll authority has convened a press conference at 4 pm to announce the schedule.

The terms of these legislative assemblies are ending on different dates in May and June.

PTI