KV Thomas of Congress said that removal from party posts is like snatching the chair and giving stool. (file)
Kochi:
Veteran Congress leader KV Thomas on Wednesday rejected CPI(M)’s Kerala secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan’s invitation to join the Left party even though the Congress Disciplinary Committee had recommended his removal from party posts, saying he sought political asylum. Only the homeless person needs it.
Speaking to reporters, Thomas said that he still has a house in Congress, which is a strong house, and that removal from party positions is like taking a chair and giving a stool instead.
“The position of the party is like a table and chairs. If that is taken away and a stool is given to me, I have no problem with it. I will continue to be a Congressman,” he said and added that till now the party has not officially communicated the decision it has taken based on the recommendation.
He also said that any future course of action from his side would be decided after receiving official information from the party.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday approved the recommendations of the disciplinary panel, which was of the view that Mr Thomas should be removed from the state political affairs committee and the executive committee of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee.
Subsequently, on Tuesday evening, Mr. Balakrishnan offered political asylum to Mr. Thomas after he was expelled from the Congress.
Asked what was his reaction to the CPI(M) leader’s statement, Mr. Thomas said, “Political asylum is for someone who is homeless. I have a house in Congress. It is a strong house. I have lived there.” I can.”
The decision of the disciplinary committee comes on a complaint sent by Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President and MP K Sudhakaran, seeking action against Mr Thomas for attending the CPI(M) Party Congress held in Kannur in April despite the party’s direction. was demanded.
Mr Thomas had defended his decision to join the CPI(M) event, saying he decided to leave because he was threatened that if he did, he would be kicked out of the party.
The veteran Congress leader not only participated in the event, against the wishes of the party, in his speech, he praised Mr. Vijayan and his administrative abilities and development agenda and extended his full support to the Left government’s Silverline Semi-High- . The speed rail corridor project is being strongly opposed by the Congress.
(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)