Congress netas yet to feel Chengannur poll heat

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress  is yet to launch a high-spirited  campaign for its candidate  D. Vijayakumar in Chengannur where he has been conducting a  one-man show so far.   The other two fronts  are marching ahead and the LDF’s Saji Cherian was accorded receptions at 40 centres across the constituency during a vehicle tour.    The campaign was kicked off  by central committee leader M. V. Govindan Master.

The NDA will hold its convention at the public grounds in  Chengannur at 3 p.m. on Sunday which will be inaugurated by HRD minister Prakash Javadekar.
But it is not certain whether leaders belonging to the BDJS and other allies in the NDA will take part in it. NDA co-convener and former BJP state president P. K. Krishnadas  said  a representative of the BDJS will attend it.   C. K. Janu, leader of Janat-hipathya Rashtreeya Sabha, an ally, told DC that BDJS president Tushar Vellapally will not take part.

“Our demands are yet to be addressed even after three years. Why can’t they say  ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to our demands for  giving  posts in  various central government boards?” asked Janu. Congress leaders Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan MLA and Joseph Vazhakkan, who  have been entrusted with the  campaigning, have not been there in the last few days.  

A KPCC general secretary claimed that  top leaders like party president M. M. Hassan, Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala and former chief minister Oommen Chandy will enliven the show soon.  Mr Hassan  reached Chengannur on Saturday to co-ordinate the campaign. “We have already completed our panchayat-level conventions. Three to four booth conventions will be held daily,”   said a KPCC office-bearer. Mr Vijayakumar will file his nomination papers on Monday.