CPM engaged in cross-voting: Kerala Congress (M)

Kottayam: The Kerala Congress (M) steering committee meeting criticised that CPM members engaged in cross-voting during the assembly elections. Chairman Jose K Mani stated after the meeting that these criticisms, among others, would be raised in the LDF meeting and an investigation would be requested. "Cross-voting is a very serious issue, and it was observed in regions, including Malabar," he said, adding that it should not be hushed up. "It should be evaluated at the grassroots level. If members believe any corrections are needed, that should also be considered," Mani said. The meeting was held at the party headquarters on Saturday.Sources indicated that the criticisms raised in the meeting were more intense than what the chairman expressed in the news conference. Many criticised Pinarayi Vijayan strongly, suggesting that some of the former chief minister's remarks fuelled hatred. Such words that double the resentment should not have come from him. The public's anger was not against the governance but against those who governed. There was also an opinion that a new person should take the opposition leader's position. A situation similar to Bengal should not be allowed to happen, they said. There was a failure in communicating to the public the achievements on developmental and welfare front. Development did not have a people's face. Basic sections have drifted away from the party, and they need to be brought back. The false propaganda of an RSS-Left Front deal has also influenced the public, they observed.Mani criticises Apu John Jose K Mani sharply criticised newly elected Thodupuzha MLA Apu John Joseph's recent statement that if Kerala Congress (M) returns to Kerala Congress, it would be welcomed like the prodigal son with a feast. Jose questioned whether the welcome was genuine. He remarked that the words were sarcastic. Jose asked Apu whether the gate of the house in Purappuzha was opened to welcome the prodigal son or the selfish son. He demanded clarification on who the house was waiting for. Jose also questioned whether the reason P J Joseph was not allowed to complete 50 years in the assembly was due to the selfish son, and why it was not agreed upon.