The lion in winter

The lackadaisical response in the Congress to K Karunakaran8217;s re-entry into the party last December has given way to enthusiasm in the central leadership of the party. Perceived as a 8220;spent force8221; in New Delhi, the veteran leader took everybody by surprise by attracting a huge turnout at his rally at Kochi on February 1. A section of partymen in New Delhi are already talking about Kerala PCC chief Ramesh Chennithala8217;s alleged role in a corruption scandal and his dismal performance as opposition leader in the Left-ruled state. Chennithala, on the other hand, is trying to make peace with Karunakaran. At the veteran8217;s rally, the KPCC chief said, 8220;The huge crowd gathered here has answered the question as to who party workers are with.8221; The Congress high command, in the mean time, is watching the situation in the faction-ridden state unit.