AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal on Saturday said the party understood that KSU workers might have genuine grievances, but stressed that such issues should first be raised through the party’s internal forums rather than in public.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a meeting at Puthuppally to mark the third death anniversary of former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Mr. Venugopal said the party “recognised” that KSU workers might have legitimate concerns but maintained that such issues should first be raised in the appropriate organisational forums.

“There may be matters that have disappointed KSU workers. Such issues should first be taken up within the party, and every effort must be made to resolve them internally,” he said.

Describing the UDF government as one that had generated high public expectations, Mr. Venugopal said neither the party nor its workers should contribute to unnecessary controversies. “They may have some issues. The party will make every effort to address them and the government too will do its part,” he said, adding that no one should engage in actions that demoralise party workers.

On Waqf board row

Responding to the Opposition’s criticism over the Waqf Board issue, Mr. Venugopal dismissed the allegations raised by Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan as baseless. “He is making cheap allegations. Before doing so, he should first understand the verdict the people delivered on his 10 years in power,” he said.

Earlier, inaugurating the commemorative meeting, Mr. Venugopal renewed the demand that the State government name the Vizhinjam International Seaport after Oommen Chandy. He urged the government to initiate the necessary steps and said the Congress should remain steadfast in pursuing the demand.

Describing the late Congress leader as one of Kerala’s defining political leaders, Mr. Venugopal said the State’s contemporary political history could be viewed as a period before and after his tenure. “Oommen Chandy continues to live on in the hearts of the people. The crowds that continue to visit his tomb are testimony to the affection and respect he continues to command,” he said.

Mr. Venugopal described Oommen Chandy as a Chief Minister who remained accessible to the public and never ignored the grievances of ordinary people. “Despite facing several controversies during his political career, he remained steadfast in his commitment to public service,” he said.

“It was Oommen Chandy who opened the Secretariat to the common people and institutionalised post-Cabinet press briefings, making the government more transparent and accessible. Kerala has not witnessed either of these practices over the past 10 years,” he said.

The observance of the death anniversary began at 6.30 am with special morning prayers at the St. George Orthodox Old Church, Puthuppally. A special prayer was offered at the late leader’s tomb under the leadership of Yuhanon Mar Diascoros, Metropolitan of the Kottayam Diocese of the Orthodox Church.