Though P T Thomas M P was denied the Lok Sabha ticket by the Congress this time, he has managed to attain a soaring image as a dedicated and upright politician, feel political observers. They feel that even though Thomas knew that his stance on Kasturirangan report may antagonise the Church, he remained firm on his opinions. This has helped him lay the foundation of a strong political career in the years to come, feel political observers.
P T Thomas said that he had stood for the protection of the environment. According to him, God may forgive the mistakes of human beings, but nature is not so forgiving. ‘My intention was not to get the clean image or an image of a ‘green’ MP. I wanted to protect the environment and the farmers alike. I had clearly stated that those opposing the report had vested interests to protect certain lobbies,’’ he said. Thomas has also emerged victorious among the ‘I’ group and those conspiring against him within the ‘A’ group by managing to get his nominee Dean Kuriakose to get the ticket.
Some Congress leaders were disappointed over this move as they were dreaming to get an opportunity to contest the polls, the observers said. This was even disclosed by Roy K Poulose, Idukki DCC president, that he would not hesitate to contest if the party offered him a ticket. A report sent by the DCC to the KPCC on the nomination of the UDF is believed to have not supported P T Thomas, they said. Casting doubt on the credentials of the High Range Samrakshana Samithi (HRSS) which had been in the forefront of the agitation against the Kasturirangan report, Thomas pointed out that the samithi had said that it would release the name of candidate on Friday. ENS