Congress advises Kerala partymen to show restraint

Thiruvananthapuram, March 16 (IANS) The Congress in Kerala Sunday asked partymen to exercise caution while making comments during the poll season.

The directive came after a Congress lawmaker reportedly criticised a Christian religious leader in the state on a social networking website.

State Congress president V.M. Sudheeran said at a meeting of the party's campaign committee here that any wrong or indiscreet remark could prove to be costly for the party.

"Leaders occupying key posts should be very careful as the Lok Sabha polls are round the corner. They should show restraint as every word spoken will have long standing repercussions," he said.

"At the moment, we are on a sound footing and hence should see that we carry this tempo forward," he said.

Sudheeran's remarks came after Congress legislator V.T. Balaram indirectly referred to a Christian bishop as a "despicable" character.

The Christian leader had allegedly spoken harshly to a Congress candidate who had come to seek his blessings and support.

Asked about Balaram's statement, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said an explanation would be sought from the Congress legislator.

"I seriously doubt if Balaram did make such a comment and if he has done it, then it's highly improper and an explanation would be asked from him," Chandy told reporters in Kottayam.