Kozhikode: KPCC president Mullappally Ramachandran continued to dilly-dally on the ticklish subject of Congress alignment with Welfare Party.
At a press conference held in Kozhikode, Mullappally claimed he was ignorant of Welfare Party candidate posing next to him at meeting held in Malappuram’s Elamkulam panchayat. Party workers in the area did not point it out to me, he said. Congress has no links with Welfare Party. There has occurred a grave lapse on part of local leadership. Such an alliance would run against the all-India policy pursued by the party, Mullappally said.
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Congress never held talks with the Welfare Party. Muslim League leader Kunjalikutty’s talks with them are purely their internal matter. I have nothing more to add,’ said Mullappally. To the question if Congress didn’t have ties in various panchayats in Kozhikode, including Kuttiyadi, he said he was unaware.
MM Hassan too, in his response evaded clarity on if Congress had ties with Welfare party. Being a disciplined Congressman, I do not wish to offer remarks; Shall talk elaborately after elections, he told reporters at Calicut Press Club in “Meet The Press” event.
Limited Scope For Action Against Muraleeha
Mullappally expressed helplessness with regard to action against K Muraleedharan.
In Kallamalla division of Vadakkara panchayat, Congress had asked its candidate to step back from contesting against RMP candidate there. The withdrawal was meant for greater unity in UDF, Mullappally told reporters. Earlier, Muraleedharan commented on the incident saying, Congress candidate was fielded with full knowledge of Mullappally.
Muraleedharan is former KPCC president and an MP; Taking action against him for statements against the party has limitations; One should refrain from remarks that can hurt party workers; It is all a problem with attitude, Mullappally told reporters at the event.
