Rift within Kerala Congress deepens over denial of berth for Unniyadan
Internal tensions within the Kerala Congress have risen following the party's decision not to grant a ministerial berth to senior MLA Thomas Unniyadan. Supporters have organized events to express their dissatisfaction, though Unniyadan has denied lodging a formal complaint.
Why it matters
Internal party conflicts can impact coalition stability and regional governance in Kerala.
The simmering differences within the Kerala Congress led by P.J. Joseph have intensified, with a section of supporters of Irinjalakuda MLA Thomas Unniyadan, the party’s vice-chairman, openly voicing their resentment over denial of position for him in the UDF Cabinet.
The discontent has found expression in a series of meetings organised by the Kerala Congress Souhruda Vedi in different parts of the State to mark Mr. Unniyadan’s 25 years as an MLA. At a recent function in Thrissur, several speakers questioned the party leadership’s decision not to consider the four-time legislator for a ministerial berth.
All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary T.N. Prathapan, who inaugurated the function, described Mr. Unniyadan as the senior-most leader in the party after P.J. Joseph and questioned why he had not been accommodated in the Cabinet.
Mr. Unniyadan, however, has maintained that he has not lodged any formal complaint with the party leadership.
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