PALAKKAD: The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee has intervened to pacify tensions between VT Balram and C.V. Balachandran factions in Thrithala. Both leaders have been warned not to make any public comments. The leadership believes Thrithala to favour Congress in the upcoming elections and the last thing they expect is infighting that could possibly topple their chances.

The divisiveness came to the fore after senior leader C.V. Balachandran made a strong criticism of former MLA V.T. Balram on the party platform. It is alleged that the latest squabble is over seat sharing in the upcoming assembly polls. Balram faction alleged Balachandran of orchestrating a coup to help an out-of-favour CPM to win Thrithala again.

C.V. Balachandran had made a strong criticism of Balram at a family gathering held in Kozhikkara the other day.

“Balram is an imported candidate who doesn’t have any roots in Congress. He is not doing any work for the party. It was due to his haughty nature and arrogance that we lost Thrithala in 2021. If somebody is eager for a personality cult and wants to grow above the party, it is wise to show that leader the door,” said Balachandran.

VT Balram responded to Balachandran at a family gathering in Alikkara. Chalissery.

“When the whole of Kerala is preparing for change, some people are trying to stab from the back. When Thrithala is preparing for change, don’t let petty issues hinder our chances,” Balram said.