KPCC rushes "emissaries" to assuage hurt feelings

Alappuzha, Mar 29 (UNI) Alarmed over the resentment shown by some party leaders and workers over their omission from the list of candidates for the coming Assembly elections, the KPCC is sending its office bearers to ''problem affected'' areas to feel the pulse of the people.

The widespread resentment over selection of candidates has triggered threats of rebel candidates, although KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala has declared that there would be no rebel candiates against official UDF nominees.

To assuage the feelings of disgruntled party workers in this district, a KPCC office bearer was here during the past two days.

There is open criticism of CWC member and former chief minister A K Antony here for his role in striking an alliance with the DIC (K) of veteran leader K Karunakaran, and the ''imposition of unwanted candidates'' in Cherthala and Kayamkulam constituencies.

The KPCC office bearer, who spoke to UNI on condition of anonymity, said party workers had complained about the proposed candidate in Cherthala and expressed reservations about campaigning for him.

Similarly, in Kayamkulam, where former Minister M M Hassan has been replaced by DCC president C R Jayaprakash, astonished and outraged workers have faxed several complaints to party leaders against Mr Hassan's omission.

Reportedly, the workers cautioned leaders that this could turn the minority community vote against the party as the people saw no reason for dropping Mr Hassan, who they say, had initiated several developmental activities in Kayamkulam constituency.

UNI XR ARC AA VD DB2144