Congress in Damage Control Mode Over Satheesan's Jamaat Remarks

KPCC chief Sunny Joseph, who is close to Thamarassery Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil, meets him on Friday

- K S SREEJITH @T'Puram

As Opposition leader V D Satheesan's attempt to 'whitewash' Jamaat-e-Islami backfired politically in Nilambur, the Congress has started damage control efforts. KPCC president Sunny Joseph has met powerful Muslim and Christian leaders in this regard. The move comes days before the visit of Congress general secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi to Nilambur, which is part of her LS constituency.

Sunny Joseph, who is close to Thamarassery Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil, met the latter on Friday. The meeting came after the Catholic Congress under the powerful Thamarassery Diocese issued a strong statement against Congress-Welfare Party tie-up. The KPCC chief reportedly clarified the party's stand to the bishop. He also sought the Church's support.

According to sources close to the Church, Sunny Joseph held talks with Catholic Congress leaders. The KPCC president also met Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, the president of Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama, on Thursday.

There is criticism among UDF partners that the opposition leader's 'certificate' to the Jamaat-e-Islami was an unwanted one. They are of the view that it gave both the CPM and BJP a political weapon which could have a far-reaching effect even in national politics.