It was the death anniversary of one of the tallest of leaders the 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 the KC faction aligned with the NDA) now, Francis George (son of K.M. George, the first chairman of the united Kerala Congress), and Johnny Nelloor (Chairman of the KC-Jacob) shared the dais in remembering the man who died young as a Congress man, but whose death triggered the rise of a new political stream.
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 Mr. Thomas, the star was none other than Mr. Mani. Mr. Nelloor and Mr. Thomas were all praise for Mr. Mani while Mr. George, as usual, was down to earth in his utterances.
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.
Mr. Thomas said 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. Nelloor to openly invite Mr. Mani to take the lead for uniting the KC leaders spread over various coalitions. Mr. George remembered Chacko as one of the greatest Parliamentarians the State had produced.
Seeing the unprecedented enthusiasm for unity, a more realistic Mr. Mani said:“At present we are part of various coalitions. Let us create friendship first. This will help us to agree on various issues,” he said. “ Let Mr. Thomas take the lead in uniting the party.” .
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.