Kurian kicks up a storm in a tea cup

Thiruvananthapuram: Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson P. J. Kurien precipitated a crisis of sorts in his home turf this week by opposing the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate for Assembly election in Thiruvalla constituency of Kerala. However, he withdrew all his objections on Saturday afternoon after talks with Kerala Congress (Mani) leader K. M. Mani.

What was unusual about Mr. Kurien’s stand was that he was opposing the choice of candidate by a constituent of the ruling Front. This was not in tune with the “etiquette’ followed by coalitions in Kerala. Once seat allocations are over, the choice of candidates are left to the party concerned. Even if Congress has any opinions about choice of candidates in the UDF, they are conveyed in private rather than by open public statements.

Mr. Kurien’s opposition was only to a particular candidate—Joseph M. Puthussery to be fielded by Kerala Congress (Mani). He had no objection to the party fielding someone else. He was peeved by the fact that Mr. Puthussery, who had been denied the Thiruvalla seat in the 2011 elections, had not cooperated with the UDF campaign despite several entreaties by him. Mr. Puthussery had not even turned up for the campaign meeting addressed by senior leader A. K. Antony in 2011.

So, Mr. Kurien felt that this should be payback time for Mr. Puthussery. Some political circles think that Mr. Kurien was trying to assert his dominance in Pathanamthitta district in which Thiruvalla falls. This he achieved by forcing all concerned to talk to him and settle the issue.

Mr. Kurian told the media after talks with Mr. Mani that he had found the explanation offered by Mr. Mani for Mr. Puthussery’s candidature satisfactory. Mr. Mani was also present with him to declare that they would work together for the victory of the UDF candidate.  But, both declined to say what the explanation was! However, the grapevine is that Mr. Puthussery gave a letter of apology to Mr. Kurian.

Update: Kurian is said to have wrested an assurance from Mani that the Thiruvalla seat will be exchanged in favour of Congress in the next Assembly elections. This will open up the possibility of Mr. Kurian himself contesting from Thiruvalla and assuming an important position at the State level.