Don't create headache for Congress; KPCC warns leaders against making controversial statements

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KPCC president and Minister Sunny Joseph has issued a strong warning to Congress leaders against making controversial public statements that could put the party in an embarrassing position. The warning comes amid public criticism of the government and Chief Minister V D Satheesan over the monthly pay-off case, as well as remarks by Adoor Prakash against the Chief Minister.

Sunny Joseph said leaders were free to express their opinions on party platforms but should refrain from making statements that create a headache for the party.

"No one should make statements that damage the party's reputation. Nobody has the right to create controversies. All leaders and members are bound to accept the decisions taken by the party and the government. Everyone must maintain party discipline and stay away from controversial statements. Otherwise, we will have to inform the national leadership," Sunny Joseph said at a press conference.

He said the repeated public statements by party leaders had crossed the limits, prompting the KPCC to issue such a warning. Sunny Joseph also said he had no response to Adoor Prakash's remarks.

Several Congress leaders have publicly criticised the government over the delay in taking action against Pinarayi Vijayan in the monthly pay-off case. MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan and MLA C.R. Mahesh had raised questions against the government. Senior leader K. Sudhakaran also criticised the government over the delay in taking action against Pinarayi.

In an interview with Kaumudy TV the other day, UDF convener Adoor Prakash alleged that efforts were being made to remove him from his post, just as K. Sudhakaran was forced out of the KPCC president's post. Sunny Joseph's warning comes against the backdrop of these public disagreements within the Congress.