New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday announced the formation of two key committees ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, appointing Ramesh Chennithala as chairman and Shashi Tharoor as co-chairman of its campaign committee.

Tharoor’s elevation to a senior role comes shortly after he met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi to discuss grievances he had raised. Following the meeting, Tharoor said “all is good” and that “we are all on the same page”.

Since then, he has taken a more prominent role in speaking for the party and has initiated debate on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha.

A party statement said Kharge has approved the constitution of both the campaign committee and the manifesto committee of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee for the upcoming elections.

Alongside Chennithala and Tharoor, Congress MP Shafi Parambil will serve as convenor of the campaign committee. Other members include Hibi Eden, Roji M John, C R Mahesh, Mathew Kuzhalnadan, Ramya Haridas, M Liju and Deepthi Mary Varghese.

Benny Behanan has been appointed chairman of the manifesto committee, with the party’s chief whip in the Lok Sabha, Kodikkunnil Suresh, as co-chairman. Dean Kuriakose and Jebi Mather will also serve as members.

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Tharoor, who had previously expressed dissatisfaction over his treatment at a Kochi event and alleged attempts by some leaders to sideline him, said he was “very satisfied” after meeting Kharge and Gandhi. Party sources described the meeting as “comprehensive”, covering a wide range of issues.

With his concerns appearing to be addressed, Tharoor is expected to play a key role in campaigning for the Kerala polls.

The elections, expected in April–May, are seen as crucial for the Congress as it seeks to end a decade of Left rule and return to power in the southern state.

(PTI)