Not slammed for Kerala poll debacle, says VM Sudheeran

Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress party`s Kerala unit president V.M. Sudheeran on Monday said it has been "falsely reported" that he has been singled out for most of the blame for the party`s poor showing in the assembly elections.

"Nothing of that sort happened and what took place was a fruitful and positive introspection. I am really surprised that false reports have come out," Sudheeran told reporters, referring to the two-day meeting of the party`s Kerala unit executive that ended on Sunday.

Sudheeran is expected to be in Delhi later on Monday to meet Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi.

There is speculation that Sudheeran, who is thought to be in the good books of Rahul Gandhi, may get an "honourable exit" as the president of the state Congress and would be given some high-ranking post at the central level.

Sources said Sudheeran was taken to task at the two-day executive meeting, especially by the Oommen Chandy faction, and there were a few who said plainly that the entire leadership should make way for new leaders in order to revive the party.

Also criticised were former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, former state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and senior leader A.K. Antony.

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) suffered a comprehensive defeat in the May 16 assembly elections and managed to win just 47 seats in the 140-member house.

The Congress party which contested 87 seats could win just 22. Several of its seasoned leaders, including two ministers, were defeated.