Cong Factional Feud Intensifies as Panel Chairperson Quits

P A Mohammed Ali, as leader of A-group councillors, had always kept others in the dark to protect his interests.

KAKKANAD: Barely 48 hours after the ousted public works standing committee chairperson of C Ajitha Thankappan was re-elected following an agreement between the feuding I and A groups of the Congress, the factional rivalry erupted again with the resignation of municipal development standing committee chairperson Ajith Babu Joseph on Monday.

An A-group councillor, Ajith resigned in protest against the re-election of Ajitha and the alleged bias of the KPCC and its sub-committee in deciding the election-related affairs.

“The KPCC and the party leadership have always been favouring the I-group. Whenever issues related to inter-party politics at Thrikkakara Municipality were taken up with the Congress leadership, its decisions were always based on some leaders’ personal preferences,” Ajith said.

Even the decision to field Ajitha in the election was against the earlier understanding to oust her from the position, he alleged. 

Adding further he said, “the A-group moved the no-confidence motion when the I-group failed to hand over the post of Public Works standing committee chairman even after a recommendation from the Chief Minister. When the party intervened in the matter, the A-group became the losers. Surprisingly, the I-group which had flouted the party decision became the gainers.” 

Crticism on the Party Leaders

He also lashed out at his own party leaders. “P A Mohammed Ali, as leader of A-group councillors, had always kept others in the dark to protect his interests. Even, Thrikkakara MLA Benny Behnan declined to intervene in the issue despite repeated requests from A group councillors,” he said.

When contacted, Benny Behnan MLA said that all the decisions were taken with the approval of the party’s top leadership.

It is learnt that the municipal authorities have reported the matter to the Election Commission and an election will be taken place within a time period of 15 days.

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