Sensing that the schism in the Congress state unit is undying at the grassroots level and is bound to affect UDF candidates’ chances in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, Defence Minister A K Antony broke his silence on Monday.
He sounded a stern warning to his party colleagues that unless they got united, they are bound to perish. He reminded them that poll manifestos alone would not find favour with the masses and added that the party should appear strong enough to act and deliver.
At the same time, Antony hinted that the whole scenario would change for the better soon and that no one needed to think of cashing in on the problems in the Congress and the UDF.
“Manifestos may be there. It is just one aspect. The crucial ingredient is that the party should stay united. If not, get ready to perish,” he said, while addressing party office-barers, after receiving a copy of the manifesto prepared by the KPCC.
The proposals were submitted for inclusion in the party’s national manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections.
“All should work united by seeing the writing on the wall. A conducive atmosphere should be created for the party to reach out to the people. There can be differences but the need of the hour for the party and the government is to work together”, he said adding that “there is no point in appearing on TV channel discussions.” Antony remained confident that if all in the Congress stood united, then resounding victories will come its way in the state.
Seeing leaders aligned with various factions sitting together, Antony quipped: “It’s nice to see all of you with a good smile on your faces. But when we meet next time we meet, smiles should come from within too”, he said.