POLITICIAN...WITH A DIFFERENCE

An individual who practises Gandhian philosophy and ideology in his political career-A non corrupt politician-A leader with a clean image- Perhaps these attributes of Mr A.K.Antony has made him as the most revered politician of our country.An idealist leader who never swerve away from the values and principles,a leader with a commitment towards the public and who acts prudently during the period of crisis ...These spirit of dedication has taken him to the new heights...country's Defence Minister.Prior to Mr Antony Late V.K.kRISHNA Menon was the only malayali who was entrusted with such an important portfolio.The surprising move from the party leadership is likely to create an envied feeling in the minds of many congress leaders.Right from early sixties,Mr Antony was in charge of various affairs of the party,and undisputably we can say that he has done full justice to the matters dealt by him


Though the congress made a spectacular victory in kerala assembly elections held in 2001,the ministry formed was the outcome of many compromises.Thennala Balakrishna Pillai(Antony man)who was the then KPCC president, was removed from that post.Antony came with an unpalatable truth against the minorities,as a result of which he had to face severe criticism from his party as well from the disgusting allies.When the Maradu riots took place,Antony was blamed and many leaders openly raised their voice against Antony,for the stand taken by him during that ruptured situation.The fact was that all the political parties were equally responsible for the turmoil that lead to the worsening of the situation.In 2003 bye election for Ernakulam constituencyMr K.Karunakaran openly declared a war against Antony and challenged the candidate backed by Antony,and the effect was that congress candidate was faced with a humilating defeat.The congress suffered a major setback in the loksabha elections held in 2004.Once again he was put in the dock for that defeat.Instead of accepting the reality many leaders dramatised the situation and Antony was forced to resign from the post of C.M.


Antony was sacked because he was secular.He became the victim of the dirty game played by the congress leaders and the saddest part is that many of his close associates had an upper hand in the game for power.Many times UDF allies have shown a strong opposition for his leadership and has expressed their discontentment for Antony in many public meetings.


Though Antony went through many trials and tribulations during his tenure as CM,he tried his level best to maintain cordial relation with the opposition as well as with the public.Unfortunately many of his attempts became futile.Had been Antony continued as the CM,the congress would not have suffered such a huge blow in the recently held assembly elections.Even today when the keralities are given a choice for a CM from the congress...the public will definitely come up with an unanimous choice...None other than Mr Antony.