THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state Congress leaders told the high command representatives that the selection of candidates and the proliferation of groups was a setback in the local body elections. The leaders said that youth and newcomers should be considered in the assembly elections. They pointed out the CPM model in the mayoral election in the state capital.

Concerns have been raised about the lack of money in the local election campaign. Though there was a demand for an overhaul in the party, no one raised the issue of changing the state leadership. But there are indications that work will be done in DCCs that have suffered major defeats.

AICC General Secretary Tariq Anwar, who is in charge of Kerala, held a one-on-one meeting with KPCC Political Affairs Committee members, PCC office bearers and DCC presidents to assess the shortcomings.

The KPCC office-bearers demanded that the DCC leadership should be overhauled in the districts with miserable performances, while the DCC presidents jointly demanded that the role of the KPCC office bearers in their respective regions should be examined.

Suggestions were raised that Oommen Chandy should be actively used in the leadership. The meetings will continue on Monday as the party leaders will meet Tariq Anwar. The High Command has directed Tariq Anwar to codify the recommendations of the discussions and submit a comprehensive report. The High Command has hope and concern for Kerala. The challenge is to address these concerns without losing hope. In addition to Tariq Anwar, AICC secretaries Ivan D'Souza, PV Mohan, and P Viswanathan is also part of the representative group.

The High Command delegates indicated that there won't be a change of leadership in the state Congress for now. With less than four months to go before the Assembly elections, a change of leadership is not practical. Although everyone criticized the change in the working style of leadership, no one demanded a change. KPCC president Mullappally Ramachandran held a discussion with Tariq Anwar for more than half an hour.