C ongress readies for 2024 Lok Sabha polls

KOZHIKODE:IN an effort to rejuvenate the party ater the lack-lustre performance of the Kerala unit in the last legislative Assembly elections, leaders of Congress met at the Navasankalp Chintan Shivir, a brain-storming strategy session to prepare the party for the 2024 parliamentary elections.

Decisions of the two-day session which began on Saturday is expected to be announced at the concluding session on Sunday.

Most of the party leaders were present at the session barring former party Kerala unit presidents, VM Sudheeran and Mullappalli Ramachandran, ostensibly due to differences with the present leadership. Veteran leaders like AK Antony, Aryadan Mohammed, Vayalar Ravi, CV Padmarajan and Thennala Balakrishnappilla kept away from the conclave due to health concerns.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Commitee (KPCC) president KK Sudhakaran hoisted the party flag at the venue, K Karunakaran Nagar, at Aspin Courtyard and the event was inaugurated by AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal.

AICC general secretary Tariq Anwar, Congress leaders Oommen Chandy, Ramesh Chennithala and others spoke at the inaugural ceremony.

Chandy said that the party and the country were facing obstacles which are unprecedented, and there was a need to overcome them.

Chennithala said that as opposition, the party unearthed the corrupt practices of the last government and it has been proven day by day now.

On Sunday, Sudhakaran welcomed any ‘disgruntled’ partner of the ruling Let Democratic Front (LDF) who is ready to join opposition United Democratic Front (UDF).

He pointed out that many allies compromised with an agenda over power sharing. He said that the continuance of the LDF government has destroyed Kerala.

“Congress and UDF will take an effort to resolve the issues faced by the state and the people under LDF reign. We are ready to take the responsibility by expanding and strengthening UDF,” Sudhakaran said on Sunday.