KANNUR: In order to take part in the CPM party congress, Congress leader KV Thomas arrived in Kannur. CPM party workers adorned a red shawl on Thomas and welcomed him with applause. Kannur district secretary MV Jayarajan was present to receive him at the Kannur airport.

Thomas responded that he considers it a shawl, although it is a red one. He added that MV Jayarajan is a friend. "There was propaganda that I was going to the BJP when I planted a lotus at home. I would tell what I want to say at the seminar at the party congress tomorrow. Pinarayi Vijayan is one of the best Chief Ministers in the country", he said.

Thomas clarified his disagreement with the Congress' agitation on the SilverLine issue. He opined that in the case of development, the protests should be done by weighing the pros and cons.

The Congress leader had yesterday said that he is going to Kannur to discuss an issue of national importance and not to join CPM and that only the Congress national leadership could oust him. The High Command, meanwhile, said the KPCC could decide whether to take action against Thomas.

KV Thomas had yesterday said that Rahul Gandhi had attended rallies in Chennai and Coimbatore with MK Stalin and Left leaders including CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury during the election. "I can't understand the opposition against me for participating in the party congress with Stalin. Some people are trying to stir up emotions against me. My position is that there should be no bloodshed in the name of politics anywhere", Thomas said.