In a significant move ahead of the Palakkad bypolls, the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has expelled P Sarin from the party's primary membership for alleged anti-organization activities and violation of party discipline. Sarin, who served as the Convenor of Congress' Digital Media Cell, had been vocal in his criticism of the party's candidate selection for the bypoll.
Sarin recently made headlines by publicly urging the Congress to reconsider its decision to field Youth Congress state president Rahul Mamkootathil as the party's candidate for the Palakkad bypoll. He also leveled serious accusations against Leader of the Opposition (LoP) VD Satheesan, intensifying internal party tensions. Additionally, Sarin reportedly wrote to All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, asking them to reconsider the candidate choice, as per a report on The New Indian Express.
Against this backdrop, the decision to expel Sarin comes as tensions within the Congress over the Palakkad bypoll candidate approached a boiling point. It is speculated that Sarin might contest the bypoll as a Left-supported independent candidate, further complicating the Congress' prospects in the constituency. KPCC's action follows indications that Sarin was poised to officially announce his departure from the party on Thursday.
Sarin had initially sought the backing of senior Congress leaders, including K C Venugopal, A K Antony, K Sudhakaran, and VD Satheesan, for his bid to contest the Palakkad bypolls. However, the KPCC opted to field Mamkootathil, who hails from Pathanamthitta district and will be making his electoral debut.
Mamkootathil’s candidacy has been met with enthusiasm in his hometown, where his family expressed excitement and support for his campaign. His mother announced that she would travel to Palakkad to assist in her son's campaign efforts.
ALSO READ: Sabarimala Virtual Queue Booking Starts With Daily Cap Of 70,000 Pilgrims