Thiruvananthapuram: Former chief minister Oommen Chandy who has kept away from party meetings following differences over the recent appointment of DCC presidents and other organizational matters, seem to have softened his stand.
The former chief minister has changed his tough stand following the high command’s constant efforts to placate him. Chandy is understood to have conveyed to AICC in charge of Kerala Mr Mukul Wasnik about his readiness to have open discussions on organizational matters when the latter called him over phone.
The high command had stepped up efforts to mollify Chandy after he skipped the all important national convention against demonetization held in Delhi the other day.
Meanwhile, the former chief minister also confirmed that ice was breaking between him and the high command. "I don’t have any issues with the high command. I am ready to discuss if they call me. I have certain suggestions regarding this matter and these would be conveyed to the leadership,” Chandy told reporters after deposing before Solar Commission in Kochi on Thursday.
When asked whether he would attend the crucial political affairs committee being held on Saturday, Chandy said he would take a decision after discussions.
He said organizational elections were due at the national level and it was for the Congress leadership to take a decision on the issue. High command was desperate to broker peace with Chandy who had taken strident position. KPCC president V M Sudheeran and opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala had personally conveyed to the high command recently that Chandy’s absence in party meetings would aggravate organizational problems in Congress.
The former chief minister who is also the most popular face of the Congress in Kerala, had already conveyed his displeasure over the appointment of DCC presidents and had pressed for organizational elections in the state.
With Chandy now conveying his willingness for talks, the high command may summon him to Delhi soon. The latest developments should also bring some relief to the UDF constituents particularly the Muslim League which was worried about Chandy’s stand.
Meanwhile KPCC vice president M M Hassan told a press conference here that there was no obstacle to hold organizational elections in Kerala. He said it is for the leadership to decide on Chandy's participation in party meetings.
He did not rule out the possibility of Chandy attending PAC meet on Saturday.
