KC factions grappling with identity crisis

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The identity crisis of the majority of Kerala Congress factions, owing to their leader-centric character and static or even waning appeal even when championing the cause of farmers and the middle class  sections in the state, is once again coming to the fore with the passing away of T M Jacob.With no towering second-rung leaders in their fold, the political destiny of many of the KC factions is a matter of concern for the rank and file of the respective parties. The progeny of many leaders having  their own pocket borough outfits are yet to prove their mettle.“A feeling has developed not only among the cadre but even among senior leaders of all KC factions that the outfit is a family concern of a particular leader. There is hardly any serious debate on contentious topics, though agitations are organised now and then while in Opposition. And nobody bothers to point out the shortcomings of the leadership to avoid inviting their wrath,’’ said a prominent leader of   the KC(M).The political base of the Kerala Congress factions was developed in the second half of the 60s with the support of noted communities, especially the Church. The seeds for the regional outfit were sown in an emotionally-charged political atmosphere following the rift in the Congress. The inclusion of the outfits in the two-front political system of the state since the 80s had allowed these factions to assert themselves. But the tempo had not been maintained in later years as there was no scope for widening their base.The legacy as a party which goes on splitting while it grows and which is ‘constantly growing’ with recurring splits had given it a negative image. However, these KC factions are noted for the administrative acumen and deft political manoeuverings of many of their top leaders like K M Mani,R Balakrishna Pillai, P J Joseph and the late T M Jacob, all in the UDF bandwagon.P C Thomas, who runs his faction (KC anti-merger) and is aligned with the LDF, has also proved that he is good at playing politics, even with a small support base.The dearth of seasoned politicians in the second line of leadership of the KC factions may prove costly for them in the immediate future itself, though the pull of power may propel them a little more.“In the absence of fine-tuning political strategies and constantly clamouring after power, the leadership of all KC factions has failed to look beyond their immediate goals,’’observed another KC(M)leader, hailing from Kottayam district. “None of the KC factions can move in this direction for a long period. A realignment or reunification is imperative for the survival of Kerala Congress in the futuristic mode,’’ observed a former MLA.In the case of KC(Jacob) itself, the deficiencies outweigh its strengths in the post-T M Jacob phase. The only leaders of the outfit who matter are former MLA Johny Nellore, chairman of  the group, and Anoop Jacob, the son of  the deceased minister, who heads the Youth Front.It is a foregone conclusion that the group may merge with a prominent KC group in the near future.  Prior to the Assembly polls, Pillai had evinced interest in joining the Congress, but his arrest pre-empted such moves. While the KC factions led by K M Mani and R Balakrishna Pillai have established a succession line, though not sound enough, the factions led by P J Joseph and P C Thomas with no progeny inclined to join the political bandwagon have their own cup of woes.