THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The turmoil in the Congress continued unabated a day after K M Mani made an official re-entry into the UDF. Amid mudslinging and allegations within the party over the Rajya Sabha seat fiasco, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has sought an explanation from AICC secretary Mukul Wasnik. The AICC intervened after a bunch of complaints, including from senior leaders, came up before the party leadership against the decision to give the Rajya Sabha seat to the Kerala Congress(M).
Shanimol Usman has already communicated her protest to Rahul while many others have come out in the open. K S Sabarinadhan came out mocking Jose K Mani's Rajya Sabha entry through a Facebook post. "The front will be strengthened while moving from the Lok Sabha with a green carpet to the Rajya Sabha with a red carpet," he said.
Hectic parleys are on to sort out the issues within the party and the front. PCC chief M M Hassan made it clear the decision was taken after the KC(M) insisted on the Rajya Sabha seat and urged party leaders to refrain from airing their comments in public. Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala met P J Kurien at his house and had a long meeting. Both Hassan and Ramesh Chennithala termed as baseless Kurien's allegation Chandy misled Rahul on the issue.
Continuing his tirade against Chandy and Chennithala, former PCC chief V M Sudheeran alleged 'mystery' and 'sabotage' behind the controversial seat sharing. He said the Congress representation in the Rajya Sabha would come down with the seat-sharing agreement with the Kerala Congress(M). Congress leader K Muraleedharan said the protest was only for a day and that he would cooperate in the party and UDF forums.
Young legislators V T Balram and Anil Akkara have demanded a comprehensive change in the party leadership even as another youngster, Eldose Kunnappally, categorically rejected the young brigade and their demands.
Concentrate on LS poll preparations: Kunhalikutty
Malappuram: IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty MP asked the UDF leaders and workers to concentrate on the Lok Sabha poll preparations. ‘‘The IUML is looking to ensure the Congress-led UPA combine comes to power at the Centre,’’ he said.
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