'Sudhakaran and Satheesan are still trying to bring factionalism': VM Sudheeran

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Kerala Congress leader VM Sudheeran has raised concerns about escalating factionalism within the party calling attention to the situation where K Sudhakaran's response to him was based on misunderstanding.

Sudheeran clarified that Sudhakaran was unaware of his resignation from the party asserting that his earlier statements were unfounded. Sudheeran, Sudhakaran and V.D. Satheesan initially welcomed the new leadership, expressing hope to halt factional activities.

Sudheeran criticized the party's previous approach suggesting that if a more inclusive strategy regarding candidate selection had been adopted in 2016, potential losses might have been avoided. He lamented the lack of consideration for candidates' qualifications during the selection process.

Highlighting concerns about the party's leadership appointments, Sudheeran mentioned that objections were raised, even writing to the High Command and receiving assurances from Rahul Gandhi for resolution. However, no concrete actions were taken over the next two years.

The escalating factionalism, expanding from two to five groups, prompted the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) to abstain from certain events while participating in others. Sudhakaran, addressing Sudheeran's statements pledged to rectify misunderstandings and address grievances during the KPCC meeting.

Sudheeran also criticized the lack of propriety displayed by the ICC observer emphasizing the need to acknowledge dissenting voices within the party. He also highlighted concerns over the Congress party's loss of a defined economic policy and its wavering commitment to secular principles.