Expelled from the CPI(M) recently on charges of repeatedly violating party discipline and hailing the development model of Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha MP A P Abdullakutty is considering an offer to join the Congress.

Abdullakutty held discussions with senior state Congress leaders K Karunakaran, Ommen Chandy and Ramesh Chennithala on Wednesday evening.

His warming up towards the Congress assumes significance against the backdrop of reports that a section of Congress leaders wanted to field Abdullakutty as the candidate from a North Kerala constituency.

Abdullakutty told The Indian Express that his discussions with the Congress leaders were cordial and that they have offered him to join their party. "They wanted to see me grow as a Congress leader. My intention is also to join a mainstream political party," he said.

But he declined to comment on the possibility of being fielded as a candidate from Kannur or Kasargode in Kerala.

Kerala Pradesh Congress chief Ramesh Chennithala said the Congress sub-committee for finalizing the candidates' list did not look into the possibility of giving a ticket to the expelled CPI (M) MP. His intention to join the Congress is a welcome sign, said Chennithala.

Congress sources said the chances of Abdullakutty emerging as a party candidate were dim at this eleventh hour.