Kerala   

Congress leadership draws flak

Kochi: The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Wednesday expressed concern at the clout wielded by certain affluent sections on social, political and religious organisation.

Addressing a press conference here on the deliberations of the party executive committee meeting on Sunday, KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala said participants had expressed concern at this new trend in Kerala politics. He said the Congress party was willing to carry out a self-introspection on this issue and take corrective measures.

Mr. Chennithala said there was quite a lot of criticisms against the party leadership, which viewed this as “self-criticism” and “constructive suggestions” to strengthen the party. Several members demanded accountability at various party hierarchical levels and conduct of organisational elections at all levels. Most of the criticism came up when the executive discussed the proposed draft of the organisational resolution to be passed by the delegates’ conference on Tuesday.

Another issue that came up for discussions was with regard to removing leaders who have been in positions of power for long and giving a break to new faces. The number of office-bearers should be reduced and each should be subjected to periodical review to assess their performance and efficiency. Similarly, those who have been contesting elections for long should make way for younger leaders.

Mr. Chennithala said the executive expressed satisfaction at the disciplined and united functioning during the last three years and had succeeded in curbing factional feuds, not to mention the semi-cadre character that has been inducted in its functioning. However, a few members had objected to certain leaders using factionalism as a cover to promote their self interests.

The executive also expressed concern at the growing trend of corruption and nepotism in the functioning of local bodies. It said defections and shifting political loyalties had seriously affected the functioning of the local bodies.

Mr. Chennithala said the party would intervene more effectively in issues affecting marginalised sections, backward classes and religious minorities. “The weaker and poorer sections of society continue to be the mainstay of the party which would give shape to various campaigns to protect their interests.”

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