Discontent Within Congress Over Rahul Mamkootathil’s Candidature for Palakkad Bypoll

GG News Bureau
Thiruvananthapuram, 16th Oct. Internal rifts are surfacing within the Congress party over the selection of Youth Congress state president Rahul Mamkootathil as the party’s candidate for the upcoming Palakkad Assembly bypoll. The decision, announced by the All India Congress Committee (AICC), has faced opposition from within, notably from KPCC Digital Media Convenor P Sarin.

Sarin publicly voiced his disapproval of the candidate selection process on Wednesday, just a day after Mamkootathil’s candidature was made public. He emphasized the need for the Congress to reconsider the choice, warning that failing to address internal concerns could turn Palakkad into another Haryana, hinting at potential discord and electoral setbacks.

The Palakkad Assembly seat became vacant following Shafi Parambil’s election to the Lok Sabha from Vatakara. Sarin’s objections indirectly pointed to Parambil’s influence in Mamkootathil’s nomination for the bypoll.

Sarin revealed that he had written to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, outlining the merits of his own potential candidacy. He stressed the importance of winning in Palakkad, suggesting that a loss would reflect poorly not just on Mamkootathil but also on the party’s leadership. “If, even after a review, the party still believes Mamkootathil is the best candidate, half the battle is already won,” Sarin remarked.

Meanwhile, Mamkootathil refrained from engaging with Sarin’s criticisms, simply stating that their personal rapport remains unaffected. “Sarin was a close friend until yesterday and will remain so today and tomorrow as well,” he said.

The Congress had also announced the candidacy of former MP Ramya Haridas for the Chelakkara Assembly bypoll, alongside Mamkootathil’s nomination for Palakkad. Furthermore, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is set to make her electoral debut in the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll, slated for November 13.

Addressing the brewing controversy, V D Satheesan, Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, defended Mamkootathil’s nomination, insisting that the selection process followed due diligence. He assured that both KPCC President K Sudhakaran and he took full responsibility for the decision, noting that the final candidate list was submitted to the AICC after thorough review.

“If there are any mistakes, we fully accept responsibility. We completed all necessary procedures before submitting the candidate list to the AICC. All three candidates are the best choices,” Satheesan told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram.

Satheesan expressed confidence in Congress’s preparations for the Wayanad, Chelakkara, and Palakkad bypolls. He predicted a resounding victory for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Wayanad, surpassing the majority won by Rahul Gandhi in 2019, and anticipated significant wins for Mamkootathil in Palakkad and the party’s candidate in Chelakkara.

He downplayed Sarin’s dissent, stating that a single opinion would not impact the United Democratic Front (UDF)‘s prospects. “We are confident of winning with a good majority. Everyone will be at the forefront of the election campaign,” Satheesan affirmed.