BJP Rift in Vadakara Turns Violent, Effigy of North District President Praphul Krishnan Burned

Vadakara: A major internal rift has surfaced within the BJP in Vadakara, with dissident leaders openly protesting against the official leadership. The effigy of BJP North District President C R Praphul Krishnan was burned during the protest.

Clashes broke out at the BJP North District Committee office in Adakkatheruvu, where dissident members and supporters of the official leadership engaged in physical scuffles. As arguments escalated, a large number of party workers gathered outside, leading to tense scenes.

The conflict is linked to disputes over candidate selection for the Assembly elections. Dissidents took to the streets carrying the party’s official flags in protest against the leadership. Recently, the north district committee expelled nine members, including rebel candidates from Vadakara and Nadapuram constituencies.

Among those expelled were Shyamraj Kuriyadi from Vadakara and K Padmakumar from Nadapuram, along with several leaders who supported them, including A V Ganesan, Ravi Vellur, P P Rajan, P K Bijish, Nanu Manchakkal, E K Babu, and V T Vineesh.

While Shyamraj’s nomination in Vadakara was rejected, Padmakumar remains in the fray in Nadapuram. Protests against the disciplinary action began at the Vadakara Guest House and marched through the town, culminating in Adakkatheruvu, where the effigy burning took place.

The expelled leaders alleged corruption in candidate selection and misuse of funds during previous local body and Assembly elections. They also claimed that no proper explanation was sought before taking disciplinary action. Warning of further unrest, they said more party workers would join the protests in the coming days, with plans to intensify agitation against the leadership.