Kochi, Sept 29: In a keenly fought contest, the CPI(M)-led LDF supported independent candidate, Sebastian Paul, wrested the Ernakulam Lok Sabha seat defeating his nearest Congress candidate, M O John, by a margin of 22,134 votes. John had been leading at first, but had to give way to Paul after over one lakh votes were counted. Then there was no looking back for the Marxist supported candidate.
The factional infighting in Kerala Congress over the selection of John, a Chief Minister A K Antony loyalist, could not be resolved by the party till the polling date, for which the party paid a heavy price. Veteran Congress leader, K Karunakaran and the 'I' faction close to him had kept themselves away from the campaign this time. Not only that, they reportedly sought votes for the LDF candidate, making things easier for the rival camp.
Congress high command's emissaries - AICC general secretary, Ahmed Patel and AICC secretary, Anil Shastri and observers - Verrappa Moily and G K Vasan's - tried their best to assuage the 'hurt' feelings of Karunakaran, whose 'I' faction had been representing the constituency for the past 23 years. Even Patel's warning that disciplinary action would be taken against those who campaign against John, failed to deter Karunakaran who refused to cowed down by the threat. Bureau Report