Kollam (Kerala) | RSP state secretary Shibu Baby John on Friday said the party would express its opinion on the Congress' chief ministerial candidate only if its view is sought after the Assembly election results are announced on May 4.

Responding to questions on the UDF allies' stand regarding the chief ministerial candidate if the front comes to power, the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) leader said any opinion at this stage would be misinterpreted as favouring a particular leader.

If the UDF comes to power, the chief minister is expected to be from the Congress.

"The speciality of an alliance system is that each party can maintain its own opinion. As it is inappropriate to express an opinion on an alliance partner's internal matters, we are not saying anything at this time. But if our opinion is sought, we will discuss it within the party and reveal it," he told reporters.

He said public sentiment in the election appeared to favour the UDF.

"The UDF fought the election together. Under the concept of 'Team UDF' put forward by V D Satheesan, we worked collectively. We will not encourage any discussion that creates cracks in that concept, as we want to continue as Team UDF," he said.

John blamed the media for triggering debates over the UDF's chief ministerial candidate.

He said the UDF had several capable leaders who could be considered for the post, whereas the LDF lacked such a pool.

"Other than some isolated incidents, there has been no discussion in the UDF over the chief ministerial candidate so far. All responsible leaders have said such discussions will begin only after the May 4 results. The very existence of this discussion shows that UDF victory is being anticipated," he said.

He added that it was natural for leaders to have aspirations and for party workers to voice their preferences.

In recent days, several leaders and workers have publicly expressed support, both online and offline, for Congress leaders V D Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala and K C Venugopal for the chief minister's post, even though the party's state leadership has asked workers to refrain from such discussions until the election results are declared.