Notwithstanding the groundswell of support it made in the district on the back of the anti-SilverLine protests, the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kottayam appears to be bogged down by the factional preoccupations within the Congress.
The latest round of infighting, which had begun with a protest march by the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) workers against Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, reached its peak with Nattakom Suresh, president of the District Congress Committee, abstaining from a meeting against the semi-high-speed rail project led by Mr. Satheesan. Later, Mr. Suresh openly expressed his displeasure over he not being informed in advance about the visit of the Leader of the Opposition.
