Several senior leaders, unaffiliated with any group, believe it is the high command’s indecision that has escalated the issue. “If needed, the high command could resolve the issue in one minute,” a veteran Congress leader told TNIE.

“The disaster has already hit the state Congress. The AICC should have taken a decision on whether they wanted a change or not. There is criticism that someone wanted to paint the state Congress leadership bad,” he said.

Sudhakaran’s allies also defended the functioning of the KPCC, dismissing allegations of inefficiency. “Of the 19,426 wards, we have formed committees in more than 18,000 wards,” a KPCC office-bearer told TNIE. “In eight districts, ward presidents were selected.

Around 10,000 Mahatma Gandhi Kudumba Sangams were held. The appointments of over 90 per cent of BLOs were completed. Training for block presidents and BLOs is ongoing.

On Tuesday, collectorate marches were held demanding the CM’s resignation. We have been building up momentum against the government. This unnecessary controversy has affected the entire movement,” he said.