Congress's 'youth group' shaken by unexpected blow

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Just as the Congress was consolidating its influence, a setback to one of its emerging leaders has rattled the party’s youth group. The leader, once hailed for his stand on political morality and seen by seniors as a future pillar of both the Congress and the UDF, has now landed in controversy and stepped down from his post.

The “young group” within the party first made its mark during the high-stakes Palakkad by-election. With Dr. P. Sarin rebelling against the party after being denied a ticket and contesting as an LDF candidate, victory in Palakkad became a matter of prestige for the Congress. The party managed to secure a win, and the group went on to prove its strength again in the Nilambur by-election, leading the fight against the Left.

Among the key faces of the team were Shafi Parambil, Rahul Mamkootathil, Youth Congress vice-president Abin Varkey, and general secretary Zoya Joseph, guided by leaders such as P.C. Vishnunath, Anwar Sadath, and Jyothi Kumar Chamakkala. After these by-elections, Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan lauded the youngsters for their unity and dedication, calling them “brilliant” and expressing hope they would drive Congress forward. But those expectations have now been shaken, forcing even Satheesan to distance himself.

Rahul Mamkootathil, despite controversies like the “blue suitcase” episode during his campaign, went on to deliver a stronger victory than Shafi Parambil had managed in earlier polls. Facing off against Dr. P. Sarin—who had once headed KPCC’s social media wing before joining the CPM—Rahul secured a margin of 18,840 votes, compared to Shafi’s 2021 win by just 3,857 votes. That victory, once seen as a milestone, has now lost its sheen.

The Shafi–Rahul partnership had its critics within the Congress but gained considerable traction among the youth. The group’s roots can be traced back to Shafi’s candidacy from Vadakara in the last Lok Sabha elections.