Doubts linger on KPCC revamping completion

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Though KPCC president Mullapally R-amachandran had set a deadline of July 31 for party revamping, the political developments in the state may hamper his plans. Earlier, there was a move to hold a training camp at Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Development Studies at Neyyar dam from August 3 for the new office-bearers, who were expected to be elected by Sunday. But there are plans to postpone the training camp as the UDF has planned a series of agitations against the LDF government. There will be a secretariat siege on Thursday against police atrocities, hike in electricity bill and demanding a CBI probe into the Public Service Commission issue. The Youth Congress will hold a day-and-night protest on July 29 and 30.

"The Congress group leaders are hesitant to tell their loyalists to step down from their posts and give a chance to the newcomers. Mullapally is not getting their support for the party revamp," said a senior Congress MLA.

The 'A' group has suggested one- man, one-post in the new committee, but the 'I' group led by Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala is not keen on it.

"There are several leaders who have 'jumped' from booth and mandalam committees to DCCs and become part of the 'jumbo committees.' Oommen Chandy and Ramesh Chennithala should allow new faces to emerge," said a KPCC general secretary.

The aspirants for various posts want stricter norms to ensure the emergence of a "strong and effective" party to face the local bodies' elections next year.