Congress-INTUC rift over fundraising; tensions rise amid election preparations

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Thiruvananthapuram District Congress Committee (DCC) has accused the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) of undermining the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee's (KPCC) fund collection efforts for local body election campaigns. According to the DCC, INTUC has independently initiated its own fundraising drive, which is seen as a move to sabotage KPCC's plans. This development has escalated tensions between Congress and INTUC, especially after their recent disagreement over supporting the Asha workers' strike. While initially opposing the strike, INTUC reversed its stance following directives from senior Congress leaders. The controversy surrounding fund collection emerged shortly after this shift.

The KPCC had issued a directive asking lower units to collect at least ₹50,000 from each ward and deposit it into a joint account held by the Mandal and Ward Presidents. These funds were intended for use in local body election campaigns. However, INTUC launched its own initiative, instructing district committees to raise ₹15 lakh each through subordinate units and transfer it to the state committee. Under state president R. Chandrasekharan’s guidance, district committees began collecting funds by issuing coupons. Critics argue that INTUC’s actions could significantly impact Congress's ability to raise funds.

During a core committee meeting of the Thiruvananthapuram DCC, members strongly criticized INTUC's separate fundraising efforts. Concerns were raised that inadequate funding for election activities could lead to the defeat of Congress candidates in local elections. Following these discussions, DCC President Palode Ravi and KPCC General Secretary K.P. Sreekumar were tasked with urging the KPCC President to intervene and halt INTUC's fundraising activities.