Expressing 'happiness' at A K Antony's decision to resign as Kerala's chief ministership, K Karunakaran on Monday said he did not have any role in choosing his successor.

Antony's decision was 'delayed' and it would have been better for the United Democratic Front and the state had he stepped down earlier, the senior Congress leader told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram.

Asked whether the faction loyal to him would suggest a name for the chief minister's post, he said all the 62 Congress MLAs are competent to hold the post. "All of them are my own people," he added.

He denied being aware that assembly Speaker Vakkom Purushothaman and UDF convener Oommen Chandy were the front-runners for the post. "Nobody told me," he said adding, "I will be giving my opinion if the High Command asks me for suggestions."

Also Read Kerala chief minister A K Antony resigns Why Kerala CM A K Antony resigned Speaker ahead in Kerala CM race

The senior leader does not think it is wrong on the part of the speaker to aspire to the post of chief minister and lobby his case before Congress leaders.

Karunakaran has no intention of enquiring about ministry formation. "I had asked for a change of leadership. I am happy that the demand could be met, fortunately without having to leave the party," he said adding that no one could go to the extent of weakening the party.

Asked whether the UDF would be able to recover the lost ground in the remaining 20 month-period of its term, he said, "We can give it a try. I will be extending my cooperation."