THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The clamour of the young crop of Congress leaders for recognition within the party is being seen with disdain by a section of party veterans who point out that the old timers were mass leaders who endeared themselves to the people with their hardwork and commitment to the people’s causes. They also point out that those who have the backing of their groups still make it to the top.

“Leaders like A.K Antony, Vayalar Ravi, V.M. Sudheeran and Oommen Chandy raised slogans within the party seeking social justice; they also fought against the wrong policies of the government and the party which enabled them to be in the good books of the public,” said a Congress leader. “Now the tables have turned and those challenging the senior leaders will never be able to bounce back, especially those who do not belong to the factional politics, for their lack of public support.” There was a time when KPCC leadership had taken in to consideration the slogans raised by KSU and Youth Congress. “We do not have such leaders or such slogans now,” he quipped.

“There is only demand for recognition.” KSU founder president George Tharakan pointed out that the situation has now changed and the party has more leaders than followers. “There used to be only a handful of leaders during older times,” he told DC. The current lot of senior leaders had come the hard way enjoying mass support, said 83-year old Mr Tharakan. Another veteran leader pointed out that youth leaders like P. C. Vishnunath and M. Liju have been successful in becoming the AICC secretary and Alappuzha DCC president because of the backing of their respective groups. “So it is not that the young leaders are totally ignored, and its another facet of the Congress politics of the day.”