Thiruvalla row settled: P J Kurien

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Mr P.J. Kurien, Congress leader and Rajya Sabah deputy chairman, has softened his opposition to the candidature of KC(M)’s Joseph M. Puthusserry in Thiruvalla following a meeting held with KC(M) chairman K.M. Mani at Thiruvalla on Saturday.

Mr Mani told reporters after the talks that Mr Kurien had  only  expressed his opinion and that his explanation had cleared his concerns.   “Mani’s explanation was satisfactory. I had certain misunderstanding and now all that has  been sorted out,” said Mr Kurien.

He  added that  victory was certain for the UDF in Thiruvalla. The UDF’s election campaign would start on Sunday itself, he said.  However, KC (M) leader Raju Pullimpally said he was firm in his decision to contest as  an independent  from Thiruvalla.

For  the last several years,  there have  been frictions between Mr.  Puthessery, KC (M) general secretary and Mr Victor T. Thomas, party steering committee member. It was alleged that the former had played a major role in the defeat of Mr Victor T. Thomas through cross-voting in the last Assembly elections. Mr Kurien had  demanded  that such a person should not be allowed to contest the election.

“Mani had said a few weeks back that as party chairman it was  his responsibility to field the candidate in Thiruvalla, implying that Mr Kurien need not poke his nose in the party matters. The Orthodox Church has already expressed reservations against Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.  The candidates in Thiruvalla and Ranni were defeated  in the last Assembly elections,”  said a KC (M) leader.

He added that Mr Mani had complained to Congress president Sonia Gandhi about Mr  Kurien interfering in their party matters. Also, the KPCC leadership comprising  Mr Chandy,  president V. M. Sudheeran and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had rallied behind Mr Mani.