Ripple effect of Bihar defeat reaches Kerala Congress camp, KPCC to focus on SIR

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The setback in the Bihar elections deprived enthusiasm among Congress cadres in Kerala, who are busy campaigning for the upcoming local body polls. In the wake of the Bihar election results, the central leadership directed the KPCC to focus more on the SIR (Special Intensive Revision) in Kerala.

Following the complaint received by the high command, it was also instructed to ensure more representation of youth and Dalit groups in the upcoming candidate selection.

Congress campaigners in the state are now raising allegations that the central government is committing widespread irregularities in the SIR. In the wake of the Bihar defeat, it has been decided to conduct a detailed inspection on a constituency basis regarding the SIR in Kerala as well. Working committee member Kodikunnil Suresh MP had complained in the last KPCC meeting about poor Dalit representation in the core committees formed in the districts. Kodikunnil Suresh told Kerala Kaumudi that he had filed a complaint with Kerala in-charge Deepa Dasmunsi, pointing out the lack of Dalit representation in the selection of candidates.

Youth Congress state president O.J. Janeesh also filed a complaint with the high command, pointing out the lack of youth representation in the selection of candidates for the local body elections. Considering these complaints, the high command demanded more representation of youth and Dalit groups in the selection of candidates.

KPCC President Sunny Joseph said that the leaders have been instructed to pay close attention to the process of revising the electoral roll in the state. The candidate selection process was completed to the extent of 60-70 per cent without any major complaints.