Cong(S) rubbishes claims of leadership change

Kochi, July 23 (UNI) Congress (S) state Vice-President N V Pradeep Kumar today rubbished the claims of a section of the party that they have removed party State President Ramachandran Kadannappally and appointed Paithal Padannakandy in his place.

Terming the claims as 'baseless' Mr Kumar told reporters here that as per the party constituion, only a general body could appoint or remove the president.

He said none of the district leaders participated in the 'so-called' state committee meeting convened by Mr P Kunhikannan and Mr Muttam Abdullah yesterday, in which the decision to "appoint" Mr Padannakandy was made.

Mr Kunhikannan and Mr Abdullah were earlier ousted from the party for anti-party activities.

'' Ours is the real Congress (S) and Mr Kadannappally is our leader,'' Mr Kumar asserted.

Refuting allegations that the party did not convene any meeting of the executive members after the state Assembly elections, Mr Kumar said four such meetings were held between January and June this year and the next meeting would be held here on July 28.

UNI