THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Criticism was raised in the KPCC office bearer meeting stating that the controversy over Shashi Tharoor's tour programs was a result of leadership's failure to handle the issue. Criticism was also raised against the public response of some MPs who said that they would no longer contest for the Lok Sabha. The meeting started in the morning in the presence of AICC general secretary Tariq Anwar and continued till 8 pm.

The meeting assessed that there is no basis for the allegations related to the utilization of KPCC funds. The leadership explained the figures. It accused the CPM of spreading such allegations to defame the Congress party.

Some pointed out that efforts to abuse organizational power by using Shashi Tharoor's name should be isolated. However, when Tharoor began his tour, the absence of leaders paved the way for unnecessary news. The leaders said that if anyone is trying to create disunity in the party by using Tharoor as cover, they should be stopped.

Some leaders pointed out that is bad for the party if MPs such as TN Prathapan make public responses, including about candidacy. They demanded that the KPCC president should be ready to control these MPs. The increase in the size of the district committees that led to the party reorganization up to the DCC level was also criticised. The leadership assured the office-bearers by presenting figures that the entire amount collected through the Rs 137 challenge held last year has come to the party account.

Disagreement on reorganization criteria
The majority of leaders disagreed with the proposal regarding the reorganization criteria to remove those who have completed five years as KPCC office-bearers. There was a general feeling in the meeting that those who have not completed at least ten years should not be removed. At today's meeting of the KPCC executive committee, the reorganisation criteria—which includes this—will be considered and finalised.