KOCHI: Senior Congress leader and Tripunithura MLA K Babu on Thursday announced his decision to step down from electoral politics, confirming he will not contest the upcoming assembly elections.Speaking to media at DCC office alongside party district president Mohammed Shiyas and former minister Dominic Presentation, the six-term MLA stated that while he is vacating his seat, Tripunithura constituency remains a UDF stronghold and expressed confidence in party’s ability to retain it with a fresh candidate. However, he stopped short of naming anyone as his ‘successor’.“The people of Tripunithura and the Congress party brought me from an ordinary man, to where I am today. I am forever grateful for the immense support I received from all sections of society,” Babu, a prominent ‘A’ group leader, remarked.Succession raceWhile Babu declined to officially name a successor, several high-profile names for Tripunithura seat in the upcoming polls are doing the rounds. Popular actor and comedian Ramesh Pisharody, known for his vocal support of Congress, is a strong contender. Babu described him as a brave artist who has consistently stood by the party’s platform. Also rumoured to be in the fray are deputy mayor Deepak Joy and DCC general secretary Raju P Nair.However, KPCC general secretary M Liju is Babu’s preferred choice, sources said.Babu, a former excise minister, is also facing ED probe regarding disproportionate assets, which recently saw freezing of assets worth Rs 25.82 lakh.