Cheriyan Philip lambasts Antony

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, APRIL 27. The expelled Congress leader, Mr. Cheriyan Philip, has launched an attack on the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. A.K. Antony, terming him as a "leader without affection towards his associates".

Addressing a press conference here today, Mr. Philip said the forthcoming Assembly elections would mark the political failure of Mr. Antony. Though not corrupt, Antony is surrounded by a group of corrupt leaders and he is only a puppet in their hands. Once the UDF is back in power, these leaders would gain control over Mr. Antony, he said.

He said that Mr. Antony was the best example of the "disposable culture which is a part of the modern consumerism."

Mr. Philip said he was in a state of "mental slavery" over the past several years. The statements which he had made till now were on behalf of the Congress. "The time has come for me to break the bonds of slavery and now I feel comfortable with the unconditional support offered by the LDF," he said

Mr. Antony has achieved the positions in the party only by sacrificing the youth wing of the party. Though he was the Chief Minister of the State twice, he has not been able to chart out a concrete plan of action for the welfare the youth and is not capable of facing the challenges of the 21st century. "The old A.K. Antony who was the role model of the youth once is no more. Today he is being controlled by a group of people who are longing for power," he said.

Saying that he was confident about his victory at Puthupally, Mr. Philip said he has only contributed for the growth of the Congress and has not made any personal gains with the help of party leaders. "My contributions for the growth of the party would be hailed by the younger generations," he said.

Giving his views on the issue of denying ticket to Ms. Padmaja, he said she had the right to contest the elections and added that she was capable of proving her merit in politics. Being the daughter of Mr. K. Karunakaran cannot be considered as a disadvantage, he felt.

Mr. Philip said that he had no plans to go back to the Congress after the elections and would remain as an Independent. "No transformation has taken place in me and I am the same person even today. But Mr. Antony has changed after becoming the Union Minister, Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition," he said.

"As I am an independent candidate in the elections, the question of joining the LDF does not arise. However, I will continue to oppose corruption and anti-people policies of any party," he added.

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Section  : Southern States
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