Murali's defeat was due to infighting, says leaders: KPCC committee takes statement; criticism for TN Pratapan and Jose Vallur

THRISSUR: It is reported that most of the Congress leaders and office-bearers have testified that the defeat of K Muraleedharan in the Lok Sabha polls in Thrissur was due to the party's infighting. They testified before the committee appointed by the KPCC to investigate the defeat. It is also indicated that there was severe criticism against TN Prathapan, who was the chairman of the election committee, and against Jose Vallur, who was the DCC president. There was also criticism against Jose about the fistfight in the DCC office.

The leaders also pointed out that the lack of organizational activity in Thrissur for years has weakened the party. Some tried to grow their own group. Due to this, the workers became dissatisfied with the party. Although there were groups before, the organizational work was active. The committee comprising KPCC political committee member KC Joseph, working president T Siddique MLA and INTUC state president R Chandrasekaran took evidence at the DCC from 11 am yesterday.

Evidence was first taken from TN Pratapan. Although the committee members mainly asked about the defeat in Thrissur, they were also allowed to point out other issues. Workers were also given an opportunity to file a complaint. Statements were also recorded from Jose Vallur and senior leaders. DCC president VK Sreekandan was present but did not take part in the evidence collection. Statements were taken from senior leaders, KPCC office-bearers till noon and 14 block Congress presidents of Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency in the afternoon.