The Congress is likely to announce its candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in nine seats in Tamil Nadu and one in Puducherry on March 20. Many veterans are likely to be given a preference. Top TNCC leaders left for Delhi on Sunday evening to finalise the list with the party high command.

The party received applications from 250 aspirants. Meanwhile, former MP Peter Alphonse represented to the TNCC president that minorities be given adequate representation in the ticket distribution.

Mr. Alphonse also raised the issue with the party’s Election Committee of leaders of dominant communities being appointed TNCC working presidents.

“Minorities believe that Congress is the only party that takes care of minorities, who also form a core vote bank for the party historically. It should be ensured that no community is over-represented and there should be an equitable distribution of seats,” Mr. Alphonse told the committee.

The Hindu has learnt that at least two constituencies have a confirmed candidate — Sivaganga and Virudhunagar. “Karti Chidambaram will fight from Sivaganga and in Virudhunagar, former MP Manicka Tagore will be fielded,” a source said.

In Kanniyakumari, the Congress is likely to field either Dr. Thambi Vijayakumar, son of six-term former MP from Nagercoil constituency, late N. Dennis. Another likely candidate the Congress is looking at for the constituency is Ruby Manoharan.

Former MP, J.M. Haroon could again be fielded from Theni, while Dr. Khaleel Rahman is in the fray for a ticket from the constituency.

At Karur, Jothimani Sennimalai is said to be the front-runner while former DCC president ‘Bank’ Subramaniam could also be considered.

Among former TNCC presidents, Su. Thirunavukkarasar and E.V.K.S. Elangovan are the front runners for Tiruchi and Krishnagiri, while Louis, son of fomer MP Adaikalaraj and former MLA Dr. Chella Kumar are also trying for these respective seats.

Arni is set to be a toss-up between Dr. Na.Se. Ramachandran and Dr. M.K. Vishnu Prasad, while in Tiruvallur, former MLA Dr. K. Jayakumar and K. Selva Perundagai are in contention.

Congress National spokesperson Khushbu Sundar might also be fielded, another source said. When asked if she was planning to contest the polls, Ms. Khushbu said it would be the decision taken by party president Rahul Gandhi.