Cong. revokes disciplinary action, reinstates party leaders in Periye

The Congress on Wednesday withdrew disciplinary proceedings and reinstated prominent leaders from Periye, including former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) secretary Balakrishnan Periye, who were expelled last year.

KPCC president Sunny Joseph said Mr. Balakrishnan Periye, his brother, C Rajan Periye, T. Ramakrishnan, and Pramod Kumar Periye had been taken back into the party. They were expelled after attending the wedding reception of the son of a local secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), who had been accused in the murder of Congress workers Sarath Lal and Kripesh.

The move, taken ahead of the coming local body elections, is seen as an attempt to consolidate party ranks in Periye.

DCC president P.K. Faizal confirmed the move, stating that it was done with the consent of Rajmohan Unnithan, MP, who had earlier faced criticism over the issue.

Mr. Balakrishnan Periye welcomed the decision saying he was committed to strengthening the party. “We never acted in a way that would weaken the Congress even after expulsion,” he said.