Senior Congress leader P J Kurien moved to clarify his earlier statements regarding the candidature of Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, following a controversy that erupted from a television interview. In a Facebook post on Friday, Kurien asserted that he never explicitly stated that Mamkootathil should be barred from contesting the assembly elections on a Congress ticket.
Context of the Controversial Remarks
Earlier on Friday, Kurien, in an interview with a news channel, had suggested that the Congress party would field a different candidate from the Palakkad constituency. He cited the reason that the incumbent MLA, Rahul Mamkootathil, was not officially a member of the Congress and had faced disciplinary action from the party. These remarks were perceived as a significant blow to Mamkootathil's prospects of securing the party nomination again.
However, in his subsequent Facebook clarification, Kurien provided context. "Replying to a question on whether anyone other than Mamkootathil could contest from Palakkad and win, I said whoever from Congress party contests will win," he explained. He emphasized that his earlier statement was contingent upon the existing party action against Mamkootathil.
Meeting and Further Clarification
The political drama saw a personal interaction between the two leaders just hours after the interview was broadcast. They met at the Mannam Jayanthi celebrations held at the NSS headquarters in Changanassery. Mamkootathil approached Kurien, and the two engaged in a brief discussion lasting a few minutes.
When contacted for comment on Friday evening, Kurien further elaborated to The Times of India. "What I told the channel is valid only in the context of the party action. If it is revoked, Mamkootathil can contest, and it is the party that will decide on it," he stated, putting the final decision firmly in the hands of the party leadership.
Push for Youth and Women Candidates
Beyond the Palakkad issue, Kurien used the television platform to endorse a broader party strategy. He supported opposition leader V D Satheesan's call for providing more electoral opportunities to women and young candidates within the Congress and the United Democratic Front (UDF).
He advised senior party figures to consider stepping back from contesting elections themselves and instead mentor the younger generation. He urged seasoned leaders to leverage their experience to secure a victory for the UDF in the upcoming polls.
On the specific matter of the Thiruvalla constituency, Kurien indicated that the Congress would assert its claim to the seat. He expressed confidence, noting that the party has capable young leaders who could be fielded as candidates there.
Striking an optimistic note about the party's future, Kurien also mentioned that there are at least six or seven leaders within the Congress who are eligible for the chief minister's post. He projected confidence that the UDF would cross the 100-seat mark in the next legislative assembly elections.
