Cong allots RS seat to ex-ally KC-M; ex-KPCC chief terms

Congress today decided to allot the Rajya Sabha seat, which falls vacant with the retirement of senior party leader P J Kurian, to Kerala Congress (M), triggering strong protest from a section of party leaders in the state.

The decision to allot the seat to KC-M was announced by senior leaders of the party-led UDF at New Delhi after meeting Congress President, Rahul Gandhi.

Opposition leader in the state assembly, Ramesh Chennithala, AICC general secretary Oommen Chandy and KPCC President M M Hassan said the decision to allot the RS seat was taken to strengthen UDF as part of the party's resolve to bring together democratic and secular forces to take on BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

"RS seat was given to KC-M as a special case," Chandy said.

The decision was part of the UDF formula to bring back the miffed KC-M, which broke away from the front two-years ago over differcences with the Congress on the 'Bar scam' in which KC-M supremo and former finance minister K M Mani is facing bribery allegations.

Indian Union Muslim League All India general secretary and MP, P K Kunhalikutty, who was entrusted by UDF to resolve the issue with KC-M, was also present at the press meet.

Reacting sharply, former KPCC President V M Sudheeran, said the decision was "suicidal" and would only help in "destroying" the Congress in Kerala.

It has also "hurt" the sentiments of party workers, Ssudheeran said, adding, he was "pained."
Referring to the demand made by a section of young MLAs not to renominate him to the upper House, he said "I have told the party that even if I am not considered, the seat should be held by theCongress itself as there are many eligible leaders who can be nominated to the upper House."