Dalit Congress leader K A Suresh quits party, joins CPM citing group politics

PALAKKAD: K A Suresh, Dalit Congress Constituency President, has announced his departure from the Congress, citing dissatisfaction with alleged groupism within the party. Suresh, who has now joined the CPM, declared that he would support the LDF candidate for Palakkad, Dr. P Sarin, in the upcoming elections.

Suresh accused Shafi Parambil, Congress MP for Piriyari panchayat, of promoting factionalism. "The control of the panchayat is entirely in Shafi's hands. Despite repeated complaints to party leadership, no action was taken," Suresh stated, adding that he has yet to receive any communication from Congress leaders following his decision.

This defection follows a similar move by Congress constituency secretary G Shashi and his wife Sitara Shashi, a panchayat member, who have openly expressed their support for Dr. Sarin. Although both intend to remain with Congress, they alleged that Shafi failed to deliver on his promises, which has fueled their dissatisfaction. Sitara remarked, "Shafi has not looked back since his victory; the development promises remain unfulfilled."

Further, G Shashi claimed that funds from the Shafi Parambil Asset Development Fund are selectively distributed to those who are loyal to Shafi. He described Shafi's leadership style as "dictatorial" and stated that his support for the left candidate stems from his opposition to Shafi's methods.