Pressure on Oommen Chandy to fight from Kottayam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Pressure is mounting on AICC general secretary Oommen Chandy to contest from the Kottayam Lok Sabha seat. KPCC president Mullapally Ramachandran has said that Mr Chandy should contest the general elections as the AICC is keen on winning the maximum number of seats from Kerala.

Mr Chandy has said repeatedly that he wished to complete 50 years as a legislator. Puthupally is his forte and he does not wish to be in national electoral politics. 

Even when party president Rahul Gandhi made him the AICC general secretary, he was posted to Andhra Pradesh. Mr Chandy’s excuse is that he is not comfortable with Hindi.

It will be a do-or-die battle for the AICC and the KPCC in the LS elections in Kerala. If Mr Chandy contests from Kottayam, it would help the Congress prospects in Idukki also, it is felt.

“Kottayam has been with the KC (M) for long and if Chandy contests from there, Congress would win it hands down. Chandy’s popularity will help the party win the neighbouring Idukki too,” said a Congress MLA.

AICC general secretary in-charge of the state, Mukul Wasnik, has also urged the KPCC to field Mr Chandy in the elections.

Mr Chandy has been outspoken with the AICC on many issues. He was unhappy over the appointment of DCC presidents in December 2016. Though he shows his displeasure, he remains loyal to the party.

“The AICC has never pulled up Chandy on any issue. His mass following is his forte and he is confident of his capabilities,” said a legislator close to him.