Open revolt in coming days? Oommen Chandy loyalists disgruntled over govt's soft stance

THIRUVANTHAPURAM: Discontent is brewing in Congress over the UDF government’s soft stance toward Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan in the 'monthly payment’ case. The intervention of senior leader K. Sudhakaran—a long-time political nemesis of Pinarayi Vijayan—further emboldened the dissatisfaction within the party. This discontent could well erupt into an open revolt in the coming days.

MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan, who ignited the controversy, gave an emotional outlook on the topic on Sunday.

"Even today, it is painful to see the image of Oommen Chandy Sir sitting before the Sivarajan Commission with a faint smile. We have simply not been able to come to terms with the fact that an innocent man—who committed no wrongdoing—was subjected to such a public trial before the entire world." This is how Kuzhalnadan expressed his sentiments to the media on Sunday.

Kuzhalnadan is well aware of the depth of the wound these words inflict upon the hearts of Oommen Chandy’s admirers. Chandy Oommen responded that the government provide clarity regarding its actions in connection with the case. The situation became clear when Chandy Oommen added that the sentiments expressed by Kuzhalnadan and Sudhakaran are shared by Congress workers, himself included.

Sudhakaran’s remark—that appropriate action would be taken if the government here is truly one run by 'men'—has placed the administration under pressure. Supporters of Oommen Chandy point out that the UDF’s current hold on power is, in part, the result of the sustained struggle waged against Pinarayi over the past five years.

Although senior leaders claim that only minor differences of opinion arose during the parliamentary party meeting, the party rank and file took note of several developments: Kuzhalnadan’s emotional outburst, M.M. Naseer’s decision to support him, and the strong opposition to Kuzhalnadan from Jyothikumar Chamakkala and Anwar Sadath.

Neither the KPCC President nor the Chief Minister offered any significant comment on the matter. Meanwhile, within the WhatsApp group of the KPCC Media Cell—overseen by KPCC General Secretary Deepti Mary Varghese—factions loyal to Oommen Chandy and the opposing camp are engaged in a heated confrontation.