It was the death anniversary of one of the tallest of leaders Congress party in Kerala had ever produced. But, for Kerala Congress leaders who organised and attended the commemorative meeting, it was an occasion for a rare coming together.
On the 54th death anniversary of P.T. Chacko, K M Mani (once, a ‘Chacko man’,); P.C. Thomas (Chacko's son and chairman of KC faction aligned with NDA) now; Francis George (son of K.M. George, the first chairman of united Kerala Congress); and Johnney Nellore (Chairman of KC-Jacob) shared the dais in remembering the man who died young as a Congressman, but whose death triggered the rise of a new political stream in Kerala's political horizon.
Many of them were not comfortable in each other's company; but some others wanted to take this coming together, further. Though it was organised by Mt. Thomas, the star of the occasion was none other than Mr. Mani. Mr. Johnney Nellore and Mr. Thomas were all praise for Mr. Mani while Mr. George, as usual, was down to earth in his utterances.
Inaugurating the memorial meet, Mr. Mani spoke at length about his personal relations with Chacko and pointed out that the late leader was one of the few who was not only one of the most powerful leaders Kerala had produced, but also one with a massive support.
In his address, Mr. Thomas pointed out that it was high time the KC factions came together. He even called for a new coalition led by the united Kerala Congress.
It was the turn of Mr. Nellore, to openly invite Mr. Mani to take the lead for uniting the KC leaders presently spread over various coalitions. Mr. George, in his speech remembered Chacko as one of the greatest Parliamentarian the State had produced. He was also a true leader who took special pain to train the younger generation in the ways of Parliamentary democracy, even providing training in how to perform in the legislature, Mr. George pointed out.
Seeing the unprecedented enthusiasm among the faction leaders for unity, a more realistic Mr. Mani pointed out that the need of the hour was to get into a mood for friendship first. “Presently we are part of various coalitions. As such, unity was not practical. Let us create friendship first. This will help us to agree on various issues. Unity without agreement on issues or friendship among the leaders will not last long,” he said. “ Let Mr. Thomas take the lead in uniting the party,” Mr. Mani quipped.
The absence of R. Balakrishna Pillai was conspicuous but Mr. Thomas later said he was informed that Mr. Pillai would not attend as he was indisposed.