THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Oommen Chandy has replaced former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh as the AICC general secretary in charge of Andhra Pradesh. Party president Rahul Gandhi appointed the 73-year-old two-time Kerala chief minister to revive the party’s fortunes in its former stronghold with immediate effect. Mr Chandy told reporters in Kottayam that he was accepting the “challenging job” with all his heart.
Though it came as a surprise to many in the party, sources close to him said when he was summoned to New Delhi early in May, Mr Gandhi had sought his views on taking up a national role. Mr Gandhi had also given the same option to Ramesh Chennithala, but he chose to remain in Kerala. “Mr Gandhi wanted him to take up the responsibility of either Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu. Since he had twice worked in Andhra, the choice was easy,” he told this newspaper. Mr Chandy said he would continue his work in Kerala as well, though he doesn’t hold any responsible post here. “It doesn’t mean that I’m moving away completely from Kerala,” he said.
“I am thankful to Rahul Gandhi for entrusting me with such a huge responsibility. I would fulfil my duty and do justice to it.” Mr Chandy said there was no need to misinterpret his appointment and it has got no connection with the Chengannur by-poll. Replying to a question on Mr Gandhi’s decision to infuse young blood in the party, he said the youth always adds more energy. “But at the same time, expertise and skills of senior leaders are also required. Everyone is equal in an organisation like the Congress,” he quipped with a smile, stating that the reporter did not get a satisfying reply.
