A hero's welcome for Antony in Cherthala

By Our Staff Reporter

ALAPPUZHA, MAY 14. The senior Congress leader, Mr. A.K. Antony, was today accorded a hero's welcome in Cherthala, his home constituency, where he trounced Mr. C.K. Chandrappan of the CPI in the just-concluded election, on his arrival there to thank voters.

Mr. Antony arrived at his friend, Mr. V.M. Sudheeran's, residence here early in the morning. Throughout the campaign, Mr. Sudheeran, like a trusted lieutenant, was active in Cherthala activating the campaign machinery and plugging the loopholes.

Before starting for Cherthala, Mr. Antony inaugurated the victory day celebrations at the DCC office at Alappuzha. The DCC president, Prof. G. Balachandran, presented a Khadi shawl to Mr. Antony who congratulated the former for rejuvenating the Congress organisation in the district. Later, Mr. Antony distributed sweets to those who were present.

Mr. Antony arrived at the Cherthala block Congress committee office at 10-30 a.m. amidst an atmosphere electrified by the spirit of victory. Hundreds of workers from various parts of the constituency had gathered there to receive their leader. Slogans describing Mr. Antony as an idealist leader of Kerala filled the air.

From Cherthala, Antony started his journey to various parts of the constituency in an open jeep. Mr. Sudheeran and other local leaders accompanied him. He visited Arookkutty, Panavally, Perumbalam and Pallippuram panchayats before returning to Cherthala late in the evening.

Speaking at various receptions, Mr. Antony wanted the LDF to play the role of a creative Opposition. According to Mr. Antony, the massive victory of the UDF at the hustings was a result of its role as a responsible Opposition during the five years of LDF rule. Mr. Antony said the Congress Legislature Party would meet soon to elect their leader.

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Section  : State Elections
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