The lackadaisical response in the Congress to K Karunakaran’s re-entry into the party last December has given way to enthusiasm in the central leadership of the party. Perceived as a “spent force” in New Delhi, the veteran leader took everybody by surprise by attracting a huge turnout at his rally at Kochi on February 1. A section of partymen in New Delhi are already talking about Kerala PCC chief Ramesh Chennithala’s alleged role in a corruption scandal and his dismal performance as opposition leader in the Left-ruled state. Chennithala, on the other hand, is trying to make peace with Karunakaran. At the veteran’s rally, the KPCC chief said, “The huge crowd gathered here has answered the question as to who party workers are with.” The Congress high command, in the mean time, is watching the situation in the faction-ridden state unit.