KOCHI: Newly-appointed KPCC chief Mullappally Ramachandran is focused on ensuring discipline in the state Congress as he embarks on a mission to inculcate a new culture among party men in the lead up to the Lok Sabha polls due next year.
“When I checked the minutes book of the Thiruvananthapuram DCC, which has a jumbo-committee of 132 functionaries, I noticed a mere 30 leaders had been attending the meetings in the last one year while the rest of the office-bearers had stayed away. The majority of these leaders will become active only when the party comes to power and thereby enjoy the benefits. This kind of a functioning cannot be brooked,” Mullappally told Express.
He has made it pretty clear organisational posts cannot remain mere embellishments. Leaders speaking out of turn is another area of concern which the new KPCC boss wants to put an end to.“A few party leaders speak out of turn. The party will decide who will attend the panel discussions on prime time TV and they will be properly briefed on the party’s stand on major issues,” he said.“I want to rejuvenate the party machinery. Favouritism and leniency towards certain leaders had been prevailing in the party. I don’t want to continue with this unfair practice and style of functioning,” said Mullappally, who is the MP from Vadakara, a traditional CPM citadel.
Soon after he took over, Mullappally had issued a clear warning to party office-bearers and MLAs who were keeping off party meets. According to the leaders, the positive signs of his efforts are evident now as the party meetings in almost all districts had registered good attendance from leaders and grassroots workers. Mullappally completed his visit to all the districts to get feedback from the grassroots workers.
A blue-eyed boy of the Congress high command, Mullappally has realised enforcing discipline among Congress leaders is easier said than done since the party workers are a demoralised lot due to the factional tussle and indecisive leadership in the state.
“I would go forward with the actions I have begun. We are not a cadre-based party and hence there are limitations. However, I will go by consensus and ensure transparency during my tenure as PCC chief. I will also ensure the participation of more youth and women in organisational affairs,” he said. Welcoming Mullappally’s actions, P T Thomas MLA said it will help to strengthen the organisation.
“Another major thing is he directed the party functionaries upto the DCC- level not to hold any other posts in feeder organisations. Many of the leaders could not do justice to their positions as they are office-bearers of many other unions and associations,” he said.
According to a senior Congress leader, “The MLAs, other people’s representatives and office- bearers were present during the protest organised by the Congress district units against the Centre’s Rafale deal after show-cause notice was served on the MLAs who kept off the party meet in Thiruvananthapuram. The response to his actions from the grassroots workers has belied expectations.”