Thiruvananthapuram: Senior Congress leader A. K. Antony frequented the state over past six months trying to feel the pulse of workers, albeit on request of senior leaders, in the run-up to organisational revamp as local leaders were unhappy over the KPCC leadership’s style of functioning.
He had held talks with leaders belonging to all strata after he realised that it would bring further doom to the party.
During the UPA – 2, he had entrusted the then Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala to deal the party’s internal issues which went out of hand.
Later, he brought in V. M. Sudheeran as KPCC president which aggravated the internal squabbles.
State leaders realised that if earlier it was the tug of war between Mr Chandy and Mr Chennithala, later Mr Sudheeran also entered the fray.
“If Mr Antony had decided to intervene in the party’s affairs before the 2016 Assembly elections, UDF’s prospects would have been better. With the trio engaged in group fights, it brought more trouble to the party. Fortunately, local leaders have realised the danger and alerted him now,” said a KPCC general secretary.
So far, he has toured almost all the districts twice. In his meeting, he ensures that he meets booth committee, DCC, Youth Congress and also the women leaders.
“This time, his visits to all the districts have created a flutter among the party workers which in turn has given a boost to the party. With party revamping happening, his tactics would work out,” said K. Muraleedharan MLA. Another top Congress leader quipped that if he felt “enough is enough” with group politics his last word would be crucial.
