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The severe downslide of alliance partner Muslim League and the controversial alliance with K Karunakaran are being seen as reasons for the Congress debacle in Kerala. A veteran Congressman, on the condition of anonymity, said both Hindus and Muslims consolidated against the party, leaving it the favourite of none.
The ire of the state’s mainstream party functionaries are now aimed at central observer Veerappa Moily and CWC member A K Antony, who had strongly argued for Karunakaran’s return. The leader was running a vicious campaign against the Congress while he was suddenly brought back.
Muslim League leader P K Kunhalikutty also facilitated DIC(K) admission into the UDF.
The Congress leader said the moment Karun-akaran’s entry was finalised, Ommen Chandy had given up the fight. ‘‘In frustration, the CM asked Moily to give his Puthupally seat to Karunakaran,’’ he said.
‘‘The 18 seats we gave to Karunakaran were lost even before the contest began. If he was kept out our workers would have been far more enthusiastic.’’
The leader said the key education and local administration under the Muslim League were blatantly misused, leading to resentment. On the other hand, League ministers were drifting away from the Muslim masses. ‘‘While these Muslim leaders could not retain the community support, their behaviour caused the Hindus to think that the government was hijacked by the League,” the leader added.
varghese.k.george@expressindia.com
