Kerala - Kochi   

‘Unite to strengthen party’

Photo: VipinChandran

United: Congress leaders Oommen Chandy, Ramesh Chennithala, Mohsina Kidwai with K. Karunakaran at a convention to welcome back Karunakaran to the party in Kochi on Friday. -

KOCHI: Senior Congress leader K. Karunakaran, who returned to the party after a gap of about two years, was accorded a rousing welcome at a meeting of party workers here on Friday.

AICC General Secretary Mohsina Kidwai, Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy, KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala and a host of leaders were present at the meeting which was called Congress united mega convention.

The ‘leader,’ as Karunakaran is known in party circles, urged the cadres to work together to fight ‘destructive forces.’ United work was necessary for the success of democracy. By deciding to return to Congress, he said he was fulfilling the promise made to the party workers, adding that he would never take decisions against the cadres’ wishes.

He maintained that sincerity was the hallmark of his political career spanning several decades and “none would be able to question it.”

Referring to his son’s unwillingness to return to the party, he said, “whether father or son, whoever is in Congress will be stronger.” Consequently, those who were not part of Congress would become weaker.

Ms. Kidwai said she was confident that Mr. Karunakaran’s return would strengthen the party.

“I see a very bright future for the party,” she said and urged the cadres to help form a government that would work for the welfare of the people.

Welcoming the ‘leader,’ KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala said a Congress without groups was the need of the hour.

A united approach would instil confidence in people. Mr. Karunakaran had proved that the party workers were with him, he said, referring to the workers who had returned along with the ‘leader.’

The LDF government in Kerala was putting heavy pressure on the common man.

Corruption was rampant and the prices kept rising. Development projects were in doldrums.

The government was only interested in selling off public property, he said.

Congress should prepare the people to fight this government, he said.

Mr. Chandy too echoed similar views. Congress should be strengthened to teach the LDF a lesson.

He termed the decision taken by Mr. Karunakaran “100 per cent correct.” Tom Vadakkan, M.M. Jacob, V.M. Sudheeran were among the leaders who spoke.

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