Congress pledges unity to UDF partners
Hyphen Web Desk
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The United Democratic Front has assured front partners that they need not worry about Congress party's internal differences affecting the front's prospects in the coming elections.
Opposition Leader V D Satheesan and Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President K Sudhakaran assured allies that the party's internal issues had been addressed and a consensus reached.
Indian Union Muslim League leader P K Kunhalikutty initiated the discussion at the UDF meeting in Kalamassery on Thursday, expressing concern over the controversies stemming from within the Congress. Without directly naming Shashi Tharoor, Kunhalikutty emphasized that such disputes could undermine the UDF's cohesion and effectiveness. Other coalition members echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential negative impact of internal conflicts on the front's public image.
The controversies in question revolve around Tharoor's recent article in an English daily, where he commended Kerala's investment growth under the Left Democratic Front government. This praise did not sit well with several Congress leaders in Kerala, including V D Satheesan and party general secretary K C Venugopal, who questioned the basis of Tharoor's statements. Tharoor later clarified that his article aimed to highlight Kerala's progress in entrepreneurship and innovation, not to endorse the LDF government.
In response to the concerns raised, Satheesan and Sudhakaran downplayed the controversy, attributing it to media exaggeration. Satheesan stated, "We have already resolved the issues. We also expect that from now on such actions will not be repeated. There is unprecedented unity in Congress now. No group meetings are held now. It shows the unity of the party. It is the media that is creating unnecessary issues." Sudhakaran added, "We have completed around 3,000 house meetings. The media is trying to propagate that there are some issues in the party. If at all there is any, we will resolve it."
Despite these assurances, the internal discord has attracted attention from political adversaries. The Bharatiya Janata Party claimed that Tharoor's marginalization within the Congress was anticipated following his decision to contest the 2022 party presidential election against the Gandhi family's nominee, Mallikarjun Kharge. BJP IT chief Amit Malviya commented, "Shashi Tharoor's marginalization in the Congress was inevitable after he dared to contest the party's presidential election against Mallikarjun Kharge, a nominee of the Gandhi family."
Amid the turmoil, Tharoor received unexpected support from IUML leader Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, who described him as a "crowd puller" and a committed member of the UDF. Thangal stated, "Tharoor is a crowd puller and he is still a Congressman. Tharoor has always effectively campaigned for the Congress-led UDF."
Tharoor himself sought to downplay the controversy, expressing confusion over the uproar. He remarked, "You all heard the podcast, what was the controversy about? I still haven't understood the controversy... It is a podcast, a 45-minute conversation about life and pursuits of happiness, nothing there much about any political controversy."
In addition to addressing internal matters, the UDF meeting outlined plans for statewide protests against both the central and state governments. UDF convenor M M Hassan criticized the state government, stating that despite an increase in murders during its tenure, no significant action has been taken. He emphasized the need for a statewide movement against drug abuse and crime, asserting, "Under the current government, Kerala has become a haven for drugs. The ruling party is fostering a culture that encourages violence and protects criminals. The police and excise departments remain inactive."
The meeting also resolved that all front partners should engage in discussions with Congress leadership ahead of the local body elections to ensure a smooth seat-sharing process. This decision aims to present a united front and avoid any potential conflicts during the elections.
The controversies in question revolve around Tharoor's recent article in an English daily, where he commended Kerala's investment growth under the Left Democratic Front government. This praise did not sit well with several Congress leaders in Kerala, including V D Satheesan and party general secretary K C Venugopal, who questioned the basis of Tharoor's statements. Tharoor later clarified that his article aimed to highlight Kerala's progress in entrepreneurship and innovation, not to endorse the LDF government.
In response to the concerns raised, Satheesan and Sudhakaran downplayed the controversy, attributing it to media exaggeration. Satheesan stated, "We have already resolved the issues. We also expect that from now on such actions will not be repeated. There is unprecedented unity in Congress now. No group meetings are held now. It shows the unity of the party. It is the media that is creating unnecessary issues." Sudhakaran added, "We have completed around 3,000 house meetings. The media is trying to propagate that there are some issues in the party. If at all there is any, we will resolve it."
Despite these assurances, the internal discord has attracted attention from political adversaries. The Bharatiya Janata Party claimed that Tharoor's marginalization within the Congress was anticipated following his decision to contest the 2022 party presidential election against the Gandhi family's nominee, Mallikarjun Kharge. BJP IT chief Amit Malviya commented, "Shashi Tharoor's marginalization in the Congress was inevitable after he dared to contest the party's presidential election against Mallikarjun Kharge, a nominee of the Gandhi family."
Amid the turmoil, Tharoor received unexpected support from IUML leader Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, who described him as a "crowd puller" and a committed member of the UDF. Thangal stated, "Tharoor is a crowd puller and he is still a Congressman. Tharoor has always effectively campaigned for the Congress-led UDF."
Tharoor himself sought to downplay the controversy, expressing confusion over the uproar. He remarked, "You all heard the podcast, what was the controversy about? I still haven't understood the controversy... It is a podcast, a 45-minute conversation about life and pursuits of happiness, nothing there much about any political controversy."
In addition to addressing internal matters, the UDF meeting outlined plans for statewide protests against both the central and state governments. UDF convenor M M Hassan criticized the state government, stating that despite an increase in murders during its tenure, no significant action has been taken. He emphasized the need for a statewide movement against drug abuse and crime, asserting, "Under the current government, Kerala has become a haven for drugs. The ruling party is fostering a culture that encourages violence and protects criminals. The police and excise departments remain inactive."
The meeting also resolved that all front partners should engage in discussions with Congress leadership ahead of the local body elections to ensure a smooth seat-sharing process. This decision aims to present a united front and avoid any potential conflicts during the elections.
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