Kochi Mayor Row: Ajay Tharayil Accuses Factional Politics and Intimidation

Kochi: In the aftermath of public dissent and visible factionalism within the Congress over the Kochi mayoral election, senior leader Ajay Tharayil has leveled serious allegations against group leaders. Tharayil claimed that group leaders threatened councillors by visiting their homes, stirring tensions within the party. He made these remarks through a Facebook post following the sidelining of Deepti Mary Varghese and the selection of VK Minimol for the mayoral post.

Tharayil pointed out that the current decisions contradict the majority opinion of councillors. He emphasized that the core committee did not convene and that group leaders intimidated councillors. According to him, the night before the mayoral announcement was particularly tense, described as a “dark night,” with group leaders going to councillors’ houses to issue threats. Tharayil clarified that he had no prior knowledge of these actions, despite the KPCC’s assignment of responsibilities.

He further accused the groups of exerting undue influence, pressuring councillors to align with their faction. The mayor was declared without convening the corporation-level core committee, and it remains unclear which criteria or majority opinion were considered. Tharayil asserted that the move to sideline Deepti Mary Varghese was driven by a deliberate agenda, and similar issues are not seen elsewhere.

Additionally, KPCC General Secretary MR Abhilash publicly expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that the mayoral and deputy mayoral appointments violate KPCC norms. He noted that the majority opinion of councillors was ignored, and key KPCC members were not consulted. Abhilash emphasized that personal interests appear to have influenced the decision, adding that he, too, is a member of the core committee responsible for mayoral selections. He clarified that any response to this issue should come from VD Satheeshan.

The public airing of such serious allegations has once again highlighted the deep-rooted factionalism within the Congress. The pattern of group politics and intimidation during election periods has been a recurring issue, and it happened again in the Kochi Corporation. Despite the gravity of the situation, opposition leader VD Satheeshan and other senior Congress leaders have not yet responded.

While the situation has caused discomfort for Deepti Mary Varghese, AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal reiterated that the party decision remains final.