No AICC signal to delay revamp: VM Sudheeran

He said in New Delhi that none from AICC leadership had asked him to stop the process. Today, he had met Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi as well, after the farmers’ rally.

Meanwhile, the UDF meeting on Tuesday is expected to be fraught with the allies raising the issue of factionalism in the Congress.

Ever since Mr Sudheeran had put his foot firmly down on group activities, both 'I' and 'A' factions have been united in opposing him.

He had called on Congress president Sonia Gandhi yesterday in New Delhi and, he said, neither Sonia Gandhi nor Rahul Gandhi had directed him to suspend the party revamping.

“The revamping is an ongoing process, and we are trying to complete it before the local body elections. The party will only benefit from it, and it should not be seen as anyone’s pressure or determination,” said Sudheeran.

Sources from Delhi told DC that Mrs. Gandhi listened to his woes when he apprised her of the political developments in the state and remained tight-lipped throughout the meeting.

However, he said today that he was happy with the meeting with her.

Though Chief Minister Oommen Chandy reached Delhi early this morning, he did not hold meetings with the Congress leadership as he participated in the farmers’ rally only.

Mr Sudheeran refused to divulge the details of the talks held with Rahul Gandhi. But he said that he was returning with increased confidence.

Meanwhile, a senior UDF leader told DC that the current feud within the Congress had created a dent in the image of the front.

He alleged that, in the previous UDF meeting held at Kovalam, it was decided to hold bilateral talks with the allies which is yet to happen.

“Apart from all these issues which will be taken up at the UDF meeting, the government’s decision to oust ADGP Jacob Thomas from fire and rescue services would be discussed. He was taking anti-people friendly decisions which cannot be entertained. Similarly, allies have decided to raise the issue of civil supplies corporation managing director A. T. James not complying the orders of the food and civil supplies minister”, said a top UDF leader.