Kerala Congress (B) splits; K B Ganesh Kumar’s sister Usha chosen new chief

KOCHI: Kerala Congress (B), a party formed by R Balakrishna Pillai has split. Usha Mohandas, daughter of Balakrishna Pillai and K B Ganesh Kumar’s sister was chosen the new chief. The decision was taken at the rebel meeting convened in Kochi.

Usha Mohandas told media that Ganesh Kumar is acting like a dictator. She said he is an efficient MLA but is he doing the duties he is supposed to do. When becomes popular one cannot act of his own free will. We have to move forward in collaboration with the public and party workers. Majority of the state committee members and district presidents are with them, she said.

Congress (B) working chairman and former MLA M K Mani said Ganesh Kumar will continue as the party's MLA and steps will be taken to bring him back to the party. However, if seen doing anti-party activities, steps including ouster will be taken.

Disputes started soon after the death of R Balakrishna Pillai, the chairman of the party. When Pillai died, his son Ganesh Kumar was temporarily given the chairmanship of the party. However, Pillai’s eldest daughter Usha Mohandas alleged that Ganesh Kumar was not ready for anything including calling party meetings. After Pillai’s death, the meeting to elect the new chairman could not be convened. Despite repeated requests to convene a state committee, there were complaints that Ganesh Kumar was not ready for that. In this situation, the rebels called a meeting on their own. Ten of the 14 district presidents attended the meeting in Kochi.