Senior Congress leader A.K. Antony on Thursday came down heavily on Congress leaders in Kerala and wanted them to conduct an introspection in the context of the serious crisis the party was facing in the State.
Addressing the centenary celebrations of the late K. Karunakaran here, Mr. Antony said the Congress as in a bigger and serious crisis than what Karunakaran had to face in 1967 when the Congress was reduced to a motley nine legislators. “In 1969, the Congress had the support of Indira Gandhi to come back into the reckoning. Don’t expect such a turn now because the Centre was being ruled by Narendra Modi who would not mind if the CPI(M) wins elections in order to achieve his objective of a Congress- free India.
“In Kerala, we don’t have leaders like E.M.S. Namboodiripad. The CPI(M) has leaders who would go to any extent to wield power. It was left to the Congress worker to introspect on whether the party should rise or perish. The Chengannur bypoll result is a lesson, but the Congress is a warring family. The main enemy of the Congress is not the CPI(M), but Congressmen themselves,” he said. Referring to the current controversy related to the Chengannur byelection result and the Rajya Sabha seat, Mr. Antony said Congressmen limit channel discussions, public statements and social media engagement. He advised YC and KSU workers to give up their social media profiles and work among the people. “ I am not a disciplinarian. But there should be some discipline irrespective of age or seniority. Deriding senior leaders on social media will not do any good for the party. Likes and trolls cannot influence the people,” he said.
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He came down on the practice of party leaders openly discussing differences on channels and advised them to observe self-restraint. All opinions can be expressed in party forums, which should debate issues. It should not be reduced to a mere ritual. Once decisions are taken, all party workers should stick to them, he said.
“Karuanakaran was a leader who had to hear all kinds of criticisms at party meetings. But he never left the venue till the meeting was over. Party leaders should hold discussions and coordinate the party’s stand prior to attending UDF meetings,” he said.