Congress fails to win minority trust
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Thiruvananthapuram: Congress leaders, who cry foul against CPM that it played a communal card in Chengannur bypoll, are however, troubled over the failure of the party in winning the trust of minorities.
The party has realised that a comeback will be impossible in near future if it fails to fill the loopholes effectively.
The by-election result is a major setback to Kerala Congress-M who bargained with the front. The result will compel them to stay away from the alliance for a while.
Senior leaders of Congress are also pointing to the need of KPCC restructuring. The communal balance should be maintained, for which an objective analysis is required. The leaders warn of more setbacks lest the party gain the trust of religious minorities and the backward sections.
The polarisation of Christian vote banks shows that CPM won in instilling fear among the minorities about the capability of Congress in defending BJP.
Widespread campaign on Oommen Chandy's appointment as AICC general secretary as an exile also seems to have influenced the Christian regions. Congress leaders failed to address Muslim voters also.
UDF could not defend the allegations against their candidate. It rendered a message that the front expected a Hindu polarisation. The leaders were late to respond in this regard.
UDF candidate's poor show in opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala's booth also adds to the bitterness and will boost the A-group's attack against the 'I' faction.
Vote trends show that Shuhaib and Kevin murders have not influenced the voters. Politics beyond that has influenced them.
The result points to the flaw in the Congress's organisation system. Congress could declare the candidate without any controversies. However, later, the candidate himself complained of lack of squad work in many regions of Chengannur.
The result has diminished the bargaining power of Mani. It will result in disturbance in Kerala Congress too. Joseph group points out that support to UDF should have been declared outright.