Shashi Tharoor

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sensing a dangerous pattern in the non-cooperation of district Congress leaders during his campaigning, Shashi Tharoor has taken up the issue with the All India Congress Committee (AICC). He has given a detailed report to AICC general secretary Mukul Wasnik , naming the mandalam committees which have not been cooperating with him during the campaign.

It is learnt that 23 mandalam committees in the constituency have not been actively participating in Tharoor’s campaigning. He has also named a mandalam committee president who did not even respond to his call despite trying him 16 times on mobile.

The report specifically states that the party squad work is not active in many of the urban areas.

Tharoor is also upset with the fact that one MLA and one ex-MLA, who have crucial responsibilities in the campaign, have suddenly slowed down their activities. A pattern of idle mandalam committees being dominated with active Nair Service Society (NSS) workers has also been noticed by Tharoor’s team.

There are already speculations that some of the mandalam committee presidents have joined hands with the BJP and hence the Congress camp might face a severe vote erosion. Sources said Tharoor was also upset about not getting expected support from the NSS.

He had met NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair seeking support before kicking off the campaign. “However, a majority of NSS ‘Karayogams’ under taluk unions have taken a pro-BJP stand,” said a source.

While speaking to reporters here, Tharoor admitted that he has flagged the leadership about such lapses. “But, there is no complaint as such. More leaders will join my campaign in the coming days,” Tharoor said.

At present, Tharoor has personally constituted squads to work at the grassroots and they have now undertaken the task of conducting door-to-door campaigns in many areas. Since support was not forthcoming from the party local committees, Tharoor’s wellwishers and professionals who volunteered themselves have become the part of these squads.

Sources said AICC general secretary Mukul Wasnik has intervened in the issue and has taken it up with senior leaders like A K Antony, Ramesh Chennithala and Oommen Chandy .

