With discontent simmering over denied tickets ahead of the April 9 Assembly poll, AICC general secretary KC Venugopal on Saturday said leaders left out of the candidate list would be given key responsibilities if the Congress-led UDF forms the government, while urging them to stay engaged in the campaign.Addressing the media, Venugopal acknowledged that a large number of aspirants had staked claim to contest and had communicated their concerns to the leadership, but maintained that the final list reflected decisions taken by the party’s central election panel.He said leaders who actively contribute to the party’s electoral success would be recognised and assigned roles in due course, signalling an attempt to contain internal dissatisfaction and ensure organisational cohesion during the campaign.On the presence of his photographs in campaign materials across constituencies, Venugopal clarified that he had not sought such projection, describing it as a routine practice to feature senior leaders in publicity material. He emphasised that candidates in the fray represent the collective leadership of the party, including senior figures such as VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala, rather than individual prominence.Targeting political rivals, Venugopal alleged that there were indications of tacit coordination between the CPM and the BJP in certain constituencies, including Palakkad, and suggested that more details on this would surface in the coming days. He also raised questions about the timing of the election announcement, reiterating earlier concerns flagged by the party.Rejecting criticism over delays in finalising candidates, he said the Congress had acted in a timely manner, and pointed to instances of candidates, including ministers in the ruling LDF, switching constituencies as evidence of the evolving political landscape ahead of the polls.The remarks come at a crucial juncture, as parties navigate both internal dissent and shifting electoral equations, with candidate selection emerging as a key flashpoint.