KOTTAYAM: Finally, Kerala Congress (M) took a ‘right’ turn, but it is at the cost of the Congress. When the stage has been set for KC (M)’s return to the UDF fold, the comeback appears to have disappointed the leaders and cadre of the Congress in Central Travancore, especially in Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts. For the Congress workers, who were waiting to see a Congress leader being elected to the Rajya Sabha, the decision to award the seat to KC (M) was extremely shocking. The local leaders, whom Express contacted before the announcement of the final decision on the RS seat, shared a common sentiment that the Congress High Command would never accept such a ‘bad’ decision.
The decision of the Congress state leadership to give the only Rajya Sabha seat to KC (M), which has been vetted by the Congress High Command, has not only created a strong wave of resentment among Congress workers, but also they fear the repercussions of the decision will be unpredictable, with the UDF all set to lose its grip among majority voters. “While the BJP is taking all-out efforts to woo the majority votes, the ku-ku-ku (Kunjalikkutty- Kunjumani- Kunjoonj (Oommen Chandy)) axis taking the mantle of the UDF will certainly create revulsion among majority communities. The decision to give the only RS seat to a party, which is presently not a constituent of the UDF, is disappointing,” said a Congress leader on condition of anonymity.
At the same time, many in the Congress believe KC (M) was given undue importance while the latter was left with no option than to join the UDF camp after LDF leaders, including Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, confirmed there was no place for KC(M) in their camp.“Even as we welcome KC (M)’s entry into the UDF, there was no need to give unwanted prominence to them by offering a Rajya Sabha seat. KC(M)’s claim over THE RS seat was not at all legitimate,” said KPCC secretary Philip Joseph.
Former DCC president Tomy Kallani was desperate in his response. “Any Congress worker, who raised the Congress flag once, could not accept this decision in any manner. It is like cutting off our heart and giving to KC (M),” he said.At the same time, DCC leadership, which had passed a resolution against bringing back KC (M) to the UDF around a year ago, was careful in its response. “We will accept any decision being taken by the Congress High Command,” said DCC president Joshy Philip, a close confidant of Oommen Chandy.
Showing his dissatisfaction, senior leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan commented not only the RS seat, but all other issues between the Congress and KC(M) should be considered.“The KC(M) left the UDF not for the RS seat, but for other reasons. Apermanent and common understanding taking into account the general sentiments of the workers should also be considered,” he said.