THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While BJP is trying to use Anil K Antony's party change politically, and the Left is trying to use it as a weapon, Congress is trying to ignore Anil completely. After AK Antony's public rejection, Congress leaders had come out to play down the BJP entry of 'Anil who is a nobody in Congress'. It has been decided not to comment further.
At the same time, the BJP has decided to place Anil on stage along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is coming to Kochi. BJP believes that the arrival of AK Antony's son, a headstrong leader of the National Congress, will be a big asset at the Center and in Kerala as the elections are about to begin. The state Congress is also disturbed by the attacks by CPM leaders as if today's Congress is tomorrow's BJP.
Anil has sent a message indicating that he will meet his father in Thiruvananthapuram soon and seek his blessings. It is not clear whether it will be when he comes to Kochi with the Prime Minister, or before that. The state Congress leadership reckons that Anil Antony will not be able to make any impact on Kerala society. However, they are serious about the use of Anil by BJP, which is trying to infiltrate the Christian sector of Kerala.
The Kerala Congress-M leaving the UDF has dealt a blow to the UDF in the Catholic-dominated central Travancore. This was reflected in Kottayam, Idukki, Pathanamthitta and Thrissur districts in the last assembly elections. The arrival of the Kerala Congress-M was a boon for the Left. However, the Congress camp thinks that Anil leaving the party after hurting his own father on a Maundy Thursday has raised anti-feelings in the Christian community and that Anthony's reaction in pain will fuel this feeling.