KOTTAYAM: The newly-formed Kerala Congress (Democratic) is facing a tough time in all its four constituencies as their parent party Kerala Congress (M) is hellbent on keeping them at bay. Their candidates Francis George, P.C. Joseph, Dr K.C. Joseph and Antony Raju are fighting in Idukki, Poonjar, Changanachrry and Thiruvananthapuram to put the fledgeling party firmly on foot.
V.S. Achuthanandan sabotaged their chances in Poonjar by sending out a message that his mind lies elsewhere and Kerala Congress (Secular) candidate P.C. George is now capitalising on it saying he enjoys his support. The nonagenarian had never criticised or mentioned the incumbent, dropping enough hints at his preference.
“After the visit of Pinarayi Vijayan, the LDF candidate had got a boost. But Mr Achuthanandan reversed it,” said a leader. VS loyalists turned his supporters after that.
Francis George, the KC (D) candidate in Idukki, is also facing the heat as the Syro Malabar diocese, has not come out in the open to support him as expected.
Though the High Range Samrakshana Samithi (HRSS) backs him, a major section supports BDJS candidate Biju Madhavan.
In Changanacherry, Dr Joseph is sweating it out against sitting MLA C.F. Thomas of KC (M), who has developed a strong bond with voters over the years. The support of Archdiocese of Changanacherry did not come as he was expecting.
Sources say LDF workers are not happy with Antony Raju in Thiruvananthapuram as he was batting for K.M. Mani and attacking them till recently on television channels. KC (D) sources told DC that it was a do-or-die situation for them as an electoral rout will seal their political relevance forever.
