Rift within Kerala Congress deepens over denial of berth for Unniyadan

The simmering differences within the Kerala Congress led by P.J. Joseph have intensified, with a section of supporters of Irinjalakuda MLA Thomas Unniyadan, the party’s vice-chairman, openly voicing their resentment over denial of position for him in the UDF Cabinet.

The discontent has found expression in a series of meetings organised by the Kerala Congress Souhruda Vedi in different parts of the State to mark Mr. Unniyadan’s 25 years as an MLA. At a recent function in Thrissur, several speakers questioned the party leadership’s decision not to consider the four-time legislator for a ministerial berth.

All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary T.N. Prathapan, who inaugurated the function, described Mr. Unniyadan as the senior-most leader in the party after P.J. Joseph and questioned why he had not been accommodated in the Cabinet.

Mr. Unniyadan, however, has maintained that he has not lodged any formal complaint with the party leadership.

“My supporters are very disappointed. I have represented Irinjalakuda for four terms and worked hard this time to wrest the constituency from the Communists. Obviously, I am hurt that the party overlooked me when the UDF came to power,” Mr. Unniyadan told The Hindu.

“Such felicitation meetings are being organised by my supporters in several parts of the State to mark my 25 years as an MLA. I have not complained to anybody. I am only joining the celebrations organised by my supporters,” he said.

Kerala Congress won seven of the eight seats it contested in the Assembly election. Mr. Unniyadan returned to the Assembly from Irinjalakuda after winning the 2026 election.

The party leadership, however, has sought to downplay the allegations of sidelining Mr. Unniyadan. District president C.V. Kuriakose said the party had not ignored him, pointing out that he had been allowed to contest the election for the seventh time.

The differences subsequently spilled into an open confrontation in Irinjalakuda. Supporters of Mr. Unniyadan and a rival group exchanged heated words during a party leadership meeting, which later escalated into a physical clash. A tea kettle was reportedly thrown during the scuffle, causing burns to some party workers and a police officer.