Both the groups have complained to Sonia Gandhi against the new state leadership (Representational)
Kannur, Kerala:
Amid growing discontent in the Kerala Congress over the selection of District Congress Committee (DCC) chiefs, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday reminded state leaders of the spirit of “collective leadership”, while the party denounced the opposition, including Oommen Chandy and Ramesh. Tried to please the giants. Chennithala.
“Over the years, Congress in Kerala has set a splendid example of collective leadership. This collective spirit reflects the true ethos of the Congress party,” Rahul Gandhi said at a function organized on the occasion of the inauguration of the Kannur District Congress Committee. ” The Office.
Though Rahul Gandhi did not mention organizational issues in Kerala, his statement assumes significance in view of the growing discontent in the state leadership, as the 14 DCC presidents allegedly ignored the sentiments of Mr Chandy and Mr Chennithala.
The two leaders, who controlled the Kerala Congress for 18 years, had come out openly against the way the new leaders of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chose the DCC presidents, including its president K Sudhakaran and the leader of the opposition in the state assembly. Were. VD Satisan.
Congress general secretary and Kerala in-charge Tariq Anwar, while approaching the warring leaders, described both Oommen Chandy and Ramesh Chennithala as “pillars of the party” in Kerala and said all decisions on organizational matters would be taken after consulting them.
The leadership, however, made it clear that KPCC chief K Sudhakaran would take the final call on the party’s organizational matters in the state.
At the inauguration ceremony of the DCC office, VD Satheesan said, “There may be differences. But we will go ahead with resolving all such issues. On organizational matters of Congress in Kerala, K Sudhakaran has the last word.” Venugopal and VD Sudhakaran.
Both Oommen Chandy and Ramesh Chennithala attended the virtual function along with Rahul Gandhi.
Speaking to reporters, KC Venugopal rubbished allegations that he was trying to form his own group within the state Congress.
Venugopal said, “I have no group. It is (their) imagination. Congress is my group and I have nothing beyond that.” Group led by Ramesh Chennithala.
Two groups – “A” and “I” – have been active in the state unit of the Congress since the time of senior leader K Karunakaran and senior leader AK Antony.
The groups have complained to Sonia Gandhi against the style of functioning of the new state leadership, allegedly with the blessings of KC Venugopal.
Urging the leaders to accept the decision taken by the high command on the selection of DCC chiefs, Mr Venugopal said that the central leadership of the party is ready to listen to their grievances.
Amid mounting pressure from groups ahead of another round of organizational reform, he said both Oommen Chandy and Ramesh Chennithala are integral parts of the Congress in Kerala and all decisions will be taken after consulting them.
K Sudhakaran said he has a “formula” to resolve all the issues raised by Chandy and Chennithala “with the permission of the high command”.
He said the party would move ahead in Kerala with the implementation of new schemes being planned by its new leadership.
K Sudhakaran said, “No one can stay away from it.”
He also claimed that party leader AV Gopinath, who earlier this week announced his resignation from the primary membership of the Congress, would not leave the party.
As discontent against the KPCC leadership intensified, the Congress expelled KPCC secretary PS Prashant from the party, who wrote to the high command alleging that KC Venugopal was acting as an “agent of the BJP”.
In a stern message to leaders who violated party discipline, the Congress had also issued show cause notices to two of its senior leaders, who were provisionally suspended two days ago for publicly expressing displeasure over the selection of party’s district chiefs. was done. All India Congress Committee
In a notice sent to former MLA K Shivdasan Nair and former KPCC general secretary KP Anil Kumar, the KPCC president has directed them to reply within seven days, failing which action will be taken against them.
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