THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Congress leaders like Oommen Chandy, K. V. Thomas, K. C. Joseph and Laly Vincent who had campaigned extensively for the Congress in Meghalaya feel their party did put up a formidable fight but was no match for the “money power” unleashed by the BJP. When Mr Joseph accompanied Mr Chandy during the first round, the local leaders told them that BJP would not win more than four seats.
“It’s unbelievable that Union culture ministry was flooding the state with money under the guise of church renovation as 40 percent of the population are Catholics and the rest Baptists,” the Irikkur legislator told DC. “Majority of the churches refused their help. As of now, Congress does have a chance of forming the government with the support of independents. Things are not going to be easy in Kerala too with the way the BJP is hurling money.”
Mr Thomas who has close ties with the Catholic church knew several priests including the bishops personally. He feels that the Congress should take a leaf out of the book of the BJP planning much in advance. Kerala leaders who campaigned also included Anto Antony MP and Joseph Vazhakkan. They were there for less than a week to 10 days which was not adequate. “It's high time the Congress got rid of groups in the state and took the initiative to strengthen the booth committees and should have a party worker for ten voters in each”, said the Ernakulam lawmaker.
But Mr Chandy feels there is nothing to be panic in the way in which the saffron party now stands to control 21 of the 29 states. “People of Kerala should be vigilant against the threats the BJP pose. We have to somehow jump the hurdle of BJP’s money power through determination and collective work,” he told DC. Ms Vincent who was there for close to two weeks has got a few points to strengthen the Congress party in Kerala. “CPI should be brought to UDF. At the same time, KC (M) chairman K. M. Mani should also be brought to the front. Otherwise, it is going to be tough to tackle the cash-rich BJP in the next Lok Sabha elections,” the KPCC vice-president said.
