KV Thomas responds to Congress' show-cause notice, asks for personal hearing

New Delhi [India], April 19 (ANI): Senior Congress leader KV Thomas has responded to the show-cause notice issued to him by the party's Central Disciplinary Committee, arguing that allegations against him by Kerala unit Congress chief K Sudhakaran are baseless and requested the committee for a personal hearing.
Thomas attended a seminar organised by the CPI(M) in Kannur, where he reportedly praised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Congress disciplinary committee secretary Tariq Anwar had served the notice on Thomas for violating attending CPM's conference in Kannur.
In a letter to Anwar, the former Union Minister has claimed that he has been the victim of groupism in the Kerala Congress unit and he has been "discriminated" by the party leaders.
Replying to the allegations upon him for praising Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Congress leader clarified that his statement was about Kerala Rail Development Corporation (K-Rail), adding that he tried to separate politics from the developmental projects that the state government is initiating.
Responding to another allegation of attending the function at Kannur where the blood of many young Congress workers was shed, he said, "Should Congress continue the path of bloodshed?"
It is pertinent to mention that the disciplinary committee of Congress is expected to meet in the next 72 hours to decide the fate of senior party leaders KV Thomas in light of complaints against them.
Thomas had participated in the seminar organized by the Communist Party of India.
He also mentioned that Ramesh Chennithala had also attended CPI(M) seminars too.
Thomas also called Kerala unit Congress chief K Sudhakaran a "dictator".
The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) had already recommended disciplinary action against Congress leader K. V. Thomas for "cosying up" the CPI(M) by attending a seminar at its recently concluded party congress in Kannur.
"I wish to point out that the allegations raised by K Sudhakaran are baseless, and a continuation of group-based personal vendetta. I request that an opportunity for a personal hearing may also be given to me," he added.
The Congress party's disciplinary committee meeting was held last week in which notices were sent to former Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar and senior party leader from Kerala KV Thomas for their public conduct against the party lines in recent times.
Both the leaders were one-week time to respond. But Sunil Jakhar is yet to respond to the show-cause notice given by the party.
According to the sources the next disciplinary committee meeting is likely to be held on Wednesday or Thursday. (ANI)