'CPM and BJP are in great unity mentally'; Rahul Gandhi holds meeting with AK Antony in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi arrived to meet AK Antony, a pillar of the AICC leadership in political policy formulation. Rahul reached Antony's residence on Eeshwara Vilasam Road in Vazhuthacaud at around 3.05 pm. Antony's wife Elizabeth Antony and younger son Ajith Antony received Rahul and other leaders.

Rahul first asked about Antony's health. Meanwhile, Rahul called former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and handed over the phone to Antony. Sonia also asked about the health of their precious leader. Congress politics in Kerala also became a topic of conversation.

Antony said that although the Congress won a resounding victory in the Nilambur by-election, overconfidence is dangerous. "The organisational strength of the CPM and the BJP should not be underestimated. In the current situation, both parties are in great unity mentally. This should be anticipated and acted upon. The political environment in Kerala is favourable to the UDF," Antony clarified. Rahul Gandhi made it clear that while the expansion of the UDF is beneficial, the Congress should not give too much importance to bringing in organisations like the Kerala Congress (M). Antony and Rahul Gandhi then held a discussion for about ten minutes.

AICC General Secretary in charge of organization K.C. Venugopal, General Secretary in charge of Kerala Deepa Dasmunsi, KPCC President Sunny Joseph, UDF Convener Adoor Prakash MP, Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala, KPCC Working President P.C. Vishnunath and Raj Mohan Unnithan MP were also present with Rahul Gandhi. After the 35-minute meeting, Rahul and other leaders reached the house of the late former KPCC President Thennala Balakrishna Pillai and met his relatives. Then, the leaders sent Rahul off to Thiruvananthapuram airport to leave for Delhi.