KOLLAM: RSP leader Shibu Baby John has said that he had taken leave from the party due to certain personal reasons. “It doesn’t mean I have ended my political career. The party has not yet recognised my leave,” he said.

“Will not do anything which could be detrimental to the party. Will continue in RSP. The party is going through a crisis phase. In Chavara apart from political factors, certain non-political reasons have also led to my defeat. In every area, we had our own strength and party support but different communities in the region had different political stands. During earlier times votes were based on an individual's political leniency but today it is based on the political stands of various communities. Primarily this shift is the reason for my defeat,” he added.

“It is true that supporters of Congress and RSP have shifted their political commitment this time. It cannot be considered as part of an organised effort launched by any leader in the left camp,” the former minister said. He also added that his party failed to keep intact its traditional vote banks.

The Kollam leader also said with the entrance of the BJP into the state’s politics, the political scenario has changed. “Congress must rethink many issues. Let the time decide whether their decisions are right or wrong. The high command must take timely decisions and if a decision is taken the party must stand by that. Undue delay is witnessed overtaking appropriate decisions on crucial issues faced by the Congress party. Whereas when things go on like a well-calibrated machine on the other side, naturally people will withdraw support to a failed party. There should be discipline in the party organisation. That is what the new generation expect from Congress,” he said.